There’s something emotional about this year’s crop of Brands of the Year. Rather than landing on the list thanks to wild, never-before-seen executions, these winners formed a deeper connection with consumers.
Intense efforts by McDonald’s to fight negative press on food health concerns, and Samsung’s dramatic shift from a consumer electronics company to a purveyor of lifestyle and a true marketing organization, are the big brand turnaround stories of the year.
Meanwhile, on the new brand front, Iögo got consumers to connect with a product line that didn’t even exist a year ago.
Engaging home-reno hosts Drew and Jonathan Scott (a.k.a. the Property Brothers) built a mini-media empire that now extends to the U.S. and beyond. And our cover brand, DavidsTea, proves that you don’t need a massive marketing budget to form an emotional bond.
This year’s winners, narrowed down from an extensive list after industry experts weighed in, prove that in today’s digital, distracted world, a little heart and soul can go a long way.
Read on to see which brands made a connection this year, and check out what (and who) else was buzz-worthy.
Brands of the Year:
Samsung builds up its street cred
Other Trending Topics:
Out of this world brand of the year: Chris Hadfield’s astronomical take off
Best comeback brand: Calgary’s recovery
Brand partner of the year: Bell Media turns sponsors into TV stars
Best brand expansion: Simons brings chic design out west
Instant brand of the year: Ikea Monkey’s sudden fame
Best brand extension: Magnum’s decadent pop-up store
