9. Bright
Overall position: 44
Category: Food and dairy
Brand value: US$1.01bn
Shanghai Bright Dairy & Food Co. was formed in 1996 from Shanghai Dairy Company and Shanghai Industrial Holding of Hong Kong. It has since became a nationally known brand in just a few years.
Like its competitor, Mengniu, Bright has been actively searching for overseas acquisitions. Over the last year, the company has agreed to import milk from the Irish company Glanbia, entered talks with Israel’s largest food producer, Tnuva, and sought sugar companies to buy in Southeast Asia, Australia and Brazil.
The Irish and Israeli companies would offer dairy production expertise for Bright’s commitment to improved food quality and safety. The interest in sugar anticipates a growing market in China where sugar consumption is low, relative to international levels, and consumer tastes are changing.
Bright, which last year bought a 60% stake in Weetabix, is also interested in expanding its presence in wine, chocolate and biscuits. Further international acquisitions would continue the company’s attempt to meet a growing Chinese taste for Western foods.