In the National Brand Competitiveness Index (NBCI) rankings, which surveyed 217 brands across 60 domestic industries conducted by the Korea Productivity Organization, Samsung Galaxy (smartphones) and Jeju Samdasoo (mineral water) took first and second place, respectively.
According to the Korea Productivity Organization's 2026 NBCI annual summary released on the 26th, Samsung Galaxy scored 83 points and Jeju Samdasoo scored 82 points, securing the top spot by surpassing the joint third-place group of brands (81 points). LG Tromm (washing machines and clothes dryers), The North Face (outdoor gear), Lotteria (fast food), Cass (beer), and Paris Baguette (bakery) were listed as tied for third place.
In terms of brand competitiveness by industry, Laeumian received the highest score in the apartment sector, Shilla Hotel in the hotel sector, and CJ Logistics in the personal delivery service sector. A review of scores by industry showed that 11 out of the 60th industries saw an increase compared to the previous year, while 15 industries maintained the same score, and the remaining 34 industries experienced a decline. Among these, the average for the manufacturing sector was 76 points, down by 0.5 points. The service sector averaged 74.6 points, a decrease of 0.6 points from last year.
A representative from the Korea Productivity Organization stated, "The decline in NBCI across both manufacturing and service sectors compared to the previous year is primarily analyzed as being due to increased consumption centered on essential goods driven by rising prices, which has failed to properly convey the value and utility of specific industries and brands." The representative further suggested that "each company appears to need more branding activities aimed at retaining loyal customers and restoring trust in their own brands."
In this year's special survey on professional baseball, a total of 10 teams were surveyed, with an industry average score of 58 points. The No. 1 brand was the LG Twins, which received an evaluation of 64 points.
The NBCI is a representative domestic brand competitiveness measurement indicator developed by the Korea Productivity Organization in 2003 and published since 2004 to promote management mindsets centered on brand value and enhance national brand value.
in INDUSTRY
