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United States Hospitality===Marriot

 With a classic approach to hospitality, Marriott has seen its focus on availability and assurance of service and quality pay dividends. By asserting itself as a class above competitors and continuing efforts to enhance its image among frequent business travellers, it has demonstrated a strong grasp of the industry. It has also generated positive press for its long-standing sustainability initiatives, including efforts to significantly reduce energy and carbon emissions across its network. As the brand embarks on an ambitious project to roll out a series of boutique hotels under the brand “Edition,” its place as a leading hospitality brand looks assured.

Netherlands Energy===SHELL

Despite the problems affecting the industry, Shell has continued to bolster its strength internationally. It is one of the most recognizable petroleum brands in the world, with a presence in 110 countries and a reputation for being a good employer. Shell believes so strongly in its business principles that its set up a whistle-blowing website for employees worldwide to report any violations they come across and, like its peers, it is investing heavily in alternative energy sources.

Germany Personal Care===NIVEA

Already a leader in skin care, it’s the expansion into areas such as hair care that’s helping the brand build on its success in the last few years. Nivea has demonstrated an ability to adapt to customer needs and tailor products for the Asian and Latin American markets. The “Beauty is” advertising campaign has resonated well around the world, presenting beauty as something that is within everybody and challenging traditional stereotypes of what is considered beautiful.

United States Transportation===FEDEX

Despite a downturn in the US market, FedEx is benefitting from the growth in global trade and has continued to strengthen its brand in emerging markets. Awareness has been raised after heavy investment in sponsorship and advertising, including a campaign for the rebranded Kinko’s, which is now called FedEx Office.

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Italy Automotive===Ferrari

 Ferrari has always been a highly desirable brand, but this year sees it break into the list for the first time. Increasing global prosperity over the last decade has made the brand increasingly attainable. Ferrari has managed the growth well by limiting production and maintaining a sense of exclusivity to the brand. Despite a fall in the value of the US dollar, (which made the car relatively more expensive in one of Ferrari’s key markets), the brand achieved record-breaking sales last year. This was supported by huge growth in emerging markets where the brand is increasingly bought as a status symbol.

Italy Luxury===Armani

As one of the world’s most dynamic fashion brands, Armani has a long track record of promoting the luxury Italian lifestyle. But recent investments in new categories have helped the brand reach out to new audiences. The Armani brand now stretches into areas as diverse as fragrance (Armani Code), home furnishings (Armani Casa), technology (co-branding with Samsung) and hotels (the first Armani hotel opened in 2008 in Dubai).

France Alcohol=== Hennessy


 While emerging markets like China and Russia fuel growth, the Hennessy brand is in decline in the US as consumers switch to alternatives like whisky and other spirits. Recently the brand has tried to reinforce its brand message with an advertising campaign built on its values of “heritage” and “authenticity.