Strong brands will pull through

• Strong brands are pivotal in economic uncertainties
• Only one home-grown Malaysian brand in top 10 ranking
• Sony and Colgate only two common brands in the three markets
  

Malaysia - In economic uncertainties, strong brands are pivotal to retaining customer loyalty and sustain business growth.

"Brands with the greatest equity are more likely to tide over during tough times as customers are willing to pay higher prices for products with which they have established a closer relationship," said Paul Richmond, managing director, consumer group, the Nielsen Company Singapore and Malaysia.

The survey company was recently commissioned to find the top 10 brands amongst Malaysian, Singapore and Hong Kong consumers by Superbrands.

The results saw F&N Coca-Cola's 100 Plus - the isotonic drink - and electronic equipment brand Sony take the top two slots and Google take the third in Malaysia.

Gardenia was the only home-grown brand, ranked seventh in the top 10 of over 500 Malaysian consumers' favourite brands across 93 categories of consumer products and services.

Mark Pointer, CEO, Superbrands Malaysia said since the survey was conducted just over a month ago, it "represents a very current finger on the pulse of Malaysian consumers' and their predisposition towards brands and brand choice".

Four Singapore home grown brands achieved the top 10 while in Hong Kong, only Cathay Pacific and the broadcaster TVB managed the top ranks.

However, only brands like Sony and Colgate showed they were well received in all three markets as both were in the top 10 rankings for all countries.

The Superbrands survey was conducted online between 14 January and 4 February, and comprised a panel of 1,500 consumers in Malaysia.