3. Mengniu
Overall position: 21
Category: Food and dairy
Brand value: US$3.11bn
China’s largest milk producer, which is largely government-backed, has enjoyed a year of aggressively pursuing acquisitions and partnerships. It has also sought to improve product safety and rebuild consumer trust, following the large number of food scandals that have affected many companies over recent years.
Mengniu become the largest shareholder in China Modern Dairy holdings, with a 28% stake in the dairy farming giant, as part of its strategy to exercise greater control over the source of its milk supply.
The company also recently entered into a joint venture with Danone to gain access to European safety technology and expertise. In return, Danone should extend its reach into the Chinese market. It also expanded a similar relationship with Arla Foods.