Until 1996 Coca-Cola was the best known brand name in the world. Which brand can claim that today (and some evidence would be nice)?

gtho4

McDonald's or Microsoft .. probably McDonalds's Software giant Microsoft is fast approaching the number one slot as the most valuable brand name, the title currently held by Coca-Cola, according to a recent study. Despite the intense and highly public government scrutiny it has faced, Microsoft managed to increase its brand value by nearly 24 percent during the twelve-month period ending June 1, according to the results of a survey conducted annually by Interbrand, a brand consulting company. Coca-Cola's brand value is currently estimated at $72.2 billion and has held the top slot for two straight years. However, Microsoft is currently valued at $70.2 billion, and Coca-Cola, while remaining at number one, saw its brand value decrease by 13 percent from the previous year. Interbrand identifies and ranks top global brands valued at $1 billion or more. The survey measures brand value by examining market capitalization, revenues and other performance indicators. The company notes that the technology sector created the most brand value in the past 12 months, with IBM closely trailing Microsoft, along with chipmaker Intel and cell phone provider Nokia INTA BULLETIN, October 1, 2000 www.agip.com*agipnews*bulletin*11_00.htm Industrial-style standardization and mass production of food, as well as almost everything else, is another part of the concept. Many Americans flit off to foreign lands and, instead of experiencing a new culture, stay in Holiday Inns, eat at McDonald's and drink Coke. They think standardization and mass production - which includes widespread use of chemicals, antibiotics, genetic manipulation, irradiation, etc. - are swell. This leads to corporate 'bigness' and power. With 23,346 restaurants in 110 countries, McDonald's is the best-known brand name in the world. ConAgra controls most of America's grain Sep 05 01, 1:19 AM

gtho4

.. looks like there's a character limit to posts: continued.. With 23,346 restaurants in 110 countries, McDonald's is the best-known brand name in the world. ConAgra controls most of America's grain. Only two or three giants control the vast majority of the chicken, beef and poultry industries. www.countrysidemag.com*issues*2_2001.htm In the March/April 2001 issue of Country Side Magazine, the following information was posted in conjunction with an article about eating more healthy food, 'Slow food, A Celebration of Life'. 'Percentage of the world's population that eats at McDonald's on an average day: 0.5%'. 'US cows that end up at McDonald's: 1 of every 3'. 'Americans that have worked at McDonald's: 1 out of 8'. 'Year that McDonald's overtook Coke as the best-known brand name in the world: 1996.' 'Gallons of hamburger grease sold by McDonald's since 1955: 281 million.' 'Meals that the average American eats at McDonald's in a lifetime: 1,810.' http:**cipherwar.com*news*01*corporatism_mcdonalds.htm Sep 05 01, 1:22 AM