brandchannel | brandjunkie | brandjunkie survey awards | brandjunkie results | 2009 brandjunkie awards

All answers pertain to the 2008 calendar year.

Which brand was the most controversial?

The Top Five: General Motors, Benetton, Pepsi, Apple, Facebook

How the mighty have fallen. The penultimate example of modern greed...with such a high level of arrogance (and political and industrial clout) that it had to take the current market situation to draw forth the admission that the greatest example of industrial success has been, for many years, a fraud.

If a brand is (in part) its reputation, then GM has tarnished its brand through execs with private jets and showing that it is out of touch.

Mismanaged, arrogant, unable to deliver international quality, overextended, no clear focus, too many brands.

Its advertising strategy accepted the race and sex issue which will remind people to think about this issue.

Advertising at the very edge of bad taste.

That rebrand sucked the life out of the brand, and appeared to be riding the coattails of the Obama optimism, much to many peoples disgust. It falls flat.

Its latest campaign invites for ‘changing and questioning everything.’ But the message is not really captured because they use a young couple and an elderly couple to represent it. And this thing of ‘modern parenting’ is not new anymore, so it doesn't lead [to] questioning anything.

Their brand is so closely tied to their CEO that his pending health can mean the downfall of Apples perception. CEO-connection is a risk many companies take, but even so it is mostly seen as a leadership connection. With Jobs, he is closely tied to the innovation of the company, which then puts the company at risk for survival if he is lost.

Because of Steve Jobs' current health status. The brand's avant-garde and innovative spirit might come to an end if he leaves.

For its attempt at assuming rights to all past and present consumer content. And its apparent about-turn in the face of user fury! If the blogs are to be believed consumer confidence in Facebook has been really shaken.

Hiding behind the small print and not providing full disclosure to their user base.

BC: According to brandjunkies, the following qualities can mark brands with controversy: aloofness, arrogance, unchecked opportunism, unmitigated edge, mortality, illness, presumption and lack of conviction. Branding industry experts accept that problems and controversies are inevitable, but how brands react to crisis is crucial. All too often brands become insular when they should focus on transparency—which is a commitment to honesty. And on their way to being transparent, they should leave the private jet at home.

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Which brand provided the best retail environment?

The Top Five: Apple, Target, Walmart, Starbucks, Ikea

Gadget lovers dream, combined with interactive experience including product trial, lectures, great service and the genius bar...not to mention the stylish, modern design that reflects Apple in every way.

Graphic, minimal environments that are clearly differentiated from competitor environments and which highlight and reinforce product qualities and encourage customer experience and interaction.

It is the only brand that I know in which people take photographs of themselves after leaving the store when buying their iPod. (I saw this in Chicago, San Francisco and Houston.)

The retail environment of Target continues to be an excellent reflection of the expectations created by its advertising. The best retail environment today is defined by brand symmetry with a self-sufficient customer. The happy surprise for customers today is when they don't need store help to navigate, make choices, and meet their needs. Target is intuitive and spot on when it comes to anticipating customers tastes and interests.

Recognized hard economic times early and built an entire ad campaign and mantra about the joys of saving money and taking time to enjoy the simple things in life. Therefore, connected with its customer base.

Walmart proved to give the consumer what they wanted and needed in a challenging year. With their brand promise of ‘Save money. Live better’ they created a reason for consumers to choose Walmart again if they had strayed in the past. It also reassured loyal customers that they were getting great brands and products at a value. This promise transferred to the in-store environment with updated store sets and clean POP.

The Walmart brand message is timely and its updating of both the interior and exteriors of their new stores makes them accessible to a large public beyond other ‘discount’ retailers.

Seemingly millions of locations, so it's easy to find them and interact. Coffee smell. Consistent feel YET a subtle difference in each store. As consistent as possible with regard to employees. Totally reliable product. Haven't made a new-introduction mistake yet. (Or if they have, I've forgotten it because they handled it so well.)

The right blend of flavors in the decor, service, product, sensory experience with a shot of neighborhood authenticity.

I can't help but feel like a kid in a candy store every time I go to IKEA, I don't even get angry when I walk out with ice cube trays in the shape of love hearts every time. Great store and great flow.

They think of everything, even parking lots for families, spaces to breastfeed, etc.

BC: Retailers—remember the fundamentals! Our survey respondents have clearly stated that consumers value maneuverability, cleanliness, customer service, interactivity and—of course—affordability. Stores designed around customer navigation, brand-consistent aesthetics and entertainment—all while offering savings—scored highly. And despite a troubled year, Starbucks still receives praise for being part of the neighborhood.

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Which brand launched the quirkiest name?

The Top Five: Snuggie, Koodo, Ziggo, Cuil, Timeless

It’s almost just a fad, but then they just keep selling more of those things.

Snuggie proved to be an unexpected success during our recession. The quirky item became known for its intuitive brand name and ‘distinct’ DRTV ads.

Oh dear god.

The pay-as-you-go mobile plan from Telus in Canada was called Koodo. It has annoying ads and a quirky name.

They were bored.

Sounds like an energy drink or a game platform but it is a cable provider.

A low-cost brand.

Doesn't look right and if it wants to be an international search engine success it is not as obvious as the word Google.

Self-explanatory, but I don't think it's in existence anymore.

Timeless! These brands launched before 2008 but still received recognition in the survey:

Hulu:

What's a hulu? Well I now know Hulu comes from a Chinese proverb which means ‘holder of precious things’—but until researching I thought it was a unique and quirky name.

Alec Baldwin. Nuff said.

Twitter:

Makes you go, ‘What?’ It also embodies what it's about—short bursts of ‘sound’ (or bite-sized information for processing).

It is this years ‘Google’—a name that created it's own verb, in this case, ‘tweet.’

Wii:

Totally abstract yet totally catchy.

Gutsy name considering it can have a negative connotation.

BC: What’s in a name?

Millions of dollars. Months of work. Centuries of language. Levels of meaning. Waves of sound. Ideals, beliefs and personality. And sometimes, even math. Google, a ubiquitous brand name commonly used as a verb, is supposedly derived from the word googol, a term representative of the number 10 raised to the power of 100. As with most names, there is a story behind the name and a name behind the story.

Though many respondents chose notable brand names that were launched before last year—Hulu, Twitter and Wii—this year’s crop of quirky brand names fully represents the serious but peculiar challenges inherent to deciding exactly what is in a name.

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Which brand produced the most innovative and enticing packaging for its products?

The Top Five: Apple, Coca-Cola, Method, Pepsi, Innocent

Every detail of an iPod's packaging builds into the experience of the product: simple, functional and plain beautiful. The crystal plastic case is cleverly designed to contain the product, with its cables and wires, without the classic polystyrene bulks, making it easier to handle, open, and reuse.

I like Apple's packaging. It’s sleek and minimalist. It is not cluttered by too much info. The main desire is to showcase the product. Apple carries this view through all that it does, from the way it designs the computers and Ipods to the way they design their stores. It is very iconic, and easily recognized even if in a new context. ie movies, TV and other media.

Because I think all of the packages it produces are innovative, different and provocative.

The curvy bottle shape has been a recognizable package design for over 100 years, and the people in Atlanta are now translating the shape from glass to PET bottles to reinforce, continue and reinvent the message and goodwill of this long-established mark. This mark truly is an ‘icon.’

The new aluminum bottles recently introduced by Coca Cola are genius. They strike the perfect balances between nostalgia and modernity, functionality and elegant design. Not only do they look great, but they hold just the right amount of soda. And, they deliver the added benefit of meeting a previously unrecognized need—to maintain the perfect drinking temperature for hours which, surprisingly, has a huge impact on the taste of the beverage.

Threw away category clichés and designed products that have shelf appeal. Used cues from other categories—health and beauty etc. to design products that appeal and stand out against every other offering.

The soaps and detergents industry is so oversaturated with the same shaped bottles and dispensers. Method took their packaging to an elegant and sophisticated level and kept their price point equivalent with the major players.

Their new logo and packaging is simple and clean and gives Pepsi a new face for the times.

The new logo is sexy and updated yet appealing.

Good use of sustainable materials, fun for kids to get into, focused on key brand message of good for you.

They are sympathetic and witty.

BC: Like art, critiquing package design is subjective and convincing arguments can be made regarding differing opinions on the same subject. Nevertheless, Apple was the clear winner in this category, and though we often hear from Apple critics who disparage readers for exhibiting inexplicable loyalty, the argument surrounding the art of packaging is rendered moot by the fact that you can’t argue with success. Apple wins here—big time.

Also, judging from reader reaction to this article, it’s apparent that many of our readers are designers with a passion for packaging. As one respondent wrote in answer to this question, echoing the sentiments of many brandchannel readers, “Definitely not Tropicana.”

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What brand orchestrated the most effective rebrand?

Top Five Answers: Pepsi, Walmart, Thomson Reuters, Xerox, Woolworths (Australia)

I have not see much of the campaign, but really like the new Pepsi logo—it is refreshing, but does not lose the essence of the old Pepsi icon—still keeping a similar shape and colours; the 'smile' almost makes the logo more fluid, welcoming and contemporary!

They seemed like they totally stole Obamas logo—but I like the fact they at least sought to participate in culture unlike some brands who don't want to be seen as too political!

Love it or hate it, everyones talking about it and showing it.

Who'd have thought the tacky smiley face could be replaced by a logo that was so appealing one could almost think about stopping in to check out their everyday low prices?

They've refreshed their logo, remodeled their stores and more clearly defined their core customer.

It brought together two very different information services providers without alienating the customers of either.

Combining a weak presence with a strong one was a tough call—looks good to me, as I can see the provenance in Reuters.

Positions them as more than photocopiers, and shows their dynamism and that they are solutions providers.

Every marketers dream…

Australian grocery business that has changed its logo and concentrated on the fresh aspect of its product offering.

Originally seen as a dowdy brand for the uninspired older woman, it was a sensible and unexciting choice in clothing. Since it has reinvented itself with the advent of Woolies food stores, the country road collection and the African designers collection, it has positioned itself as a brand that understands what people want. From the convenience of good quality foods, and clothing that is reliable in quality and yet still fashion conscious, to the European flavor packaging and store design.

BC: Successful brands, just like successful people, can find themselves lost, in need of spiritual and physical rejuvenation, or just a more clearly defined sense of self. Change often brings controversy (see Pepsi in question #1), but it also brings opportunity—both to succeed and fail. Executing an effective rebrand begins with diligent research to fully understand the hearts and minds of brand loyal consumers. The fate of every rebrand is not a matter of logos, color schemes or taglines, but human desire.

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Which brand had the most successful viral marketing?

Top Five Answers: Facebook, Apple, Obama, Google, Nike

To the point where they are now jumping the shark, as mothers, grandmothers, and coworkers you never wanted to ever wanted to talk to before have come knocking to befriend you on this very ubiquitous social networking tool.

Without doing anything but changing the criteria for admission it became the most hyped and talked about website on the Internet making millions of people sign up out of curiosity or due to recommendation by friends and/or family.

Because I'm not familiar with any paid advertising they've done. And the organization and the brand has grown like gang-busters through word of mouth (aka viral marketing).

Apple continues to generate brand loyalty and awareness far beyond the scale of their paid advertising. Fan sites, rumor sites and online forums proliferate with each new—and highly anticipated—product release. Talking about Apple, reading about apple and BUYING Apple is a preoccupation for thousands. In fact, Apple sating the appetites of hardcore Apple watchers has become a pretty significant industry.

The buzz is crazy. Is Apple doing something for that or not? Whatever: their every move is more scrutinized than Obama's. Dozens of websites are devoted to spread the rumors and generate an incredible amount of reactions and comments. Crazy.

With any number of adversities before him, Obama projected an ideal that was nothing more than a 'get back to reality' scenario... and prompted a universal viral dialogue that surely contributed to developing favorable perceptions that led to his election.

President Obama's viral marketing campaign idea. Brilliant! Perfect example [of how] a pull strategy needs to be executed. Embrace the consumer, listen, implement, listen, execute...

It's everywhere, it's always dependable, they are recognized globally and they are major players in shaping large-scale Web 2.0 development.

It has had no marketing in the traditional sense at all.

Smart, cleaver viral marketing campaigns (e.g. featuring high profile celebs such as Ronaldo).

I receive awesome viral campaigns targeted at females which I always send. Strong benefits for being healthy.

BC: Since the first webpage went online, business leaders everywhere have asked their staff this question: how can we generate money via the Internet? The answer: by generating relationships.

In this tech-fuelled world where people expect information instantly and for free, clever brands realize that time is indeed money, and they have invested their time into building consensus—whether that is for a buttonless phone, a political candidate or a basketball shoe. Savvy and dynamic brands partake in viral marketing campaigns that cultivate a sense of shared values and understanding—particularly with demographics underappreciated by conventional media campaigns—branding enthusiasts, for example. As one survey respondent wrote, “This survey is viral.”

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Which brand truly made an effort at being green and eco-friendly?

Top Five Answers: None, Toyota, Apple, The Body Shop, British Petroleum

There is a lot of bluster about being green, but anyone who produces anything that uses energy or that is consumed is not being green. The greenest thing most companies and their customers can do is not to consume.

I can't think of one brand that really holds up to close scrutiny. There's always a dirty little secret hidden somewhere in the fanfare.

Hi-profile brands don't get a decision in the matter. They just can't be green. Brands create news, news creates waste.

Recognized early the need for a really hybrid as part of the auto mix. With the largest selling hybrid, they extended the concept into other platforms like SUV (Highlander) and major sedans like Camry and Avalon. The important thing to note is they were first before it was chic!

Prius made a strong statement about being green. Whether it actually is or not remains to be seen...but it brought the issue to the forefront.

Pushed by associations such as Green my Apple, the company has started a greener strategy and might push their competitors to act quicker and more efficiently.

By design, their products, their packaging, all is now recyclable... Not easy for a computer manufacturer, but they managed to push it through. True effort indeed!

They have carried that in their DNA. They built their brand on those principles.

Because they use recycled bottles, use organic materials, trade community, do not experiment on animals, etc.

Their living brand came to life with their messaging and story and evolution to their current brand in terms of being green and eco-friendly.

All communications about BP are centered around being green, and eco-friendly. Being in a non-eco-friendly industry like petro-chem, BP prides itself on leading within the ‘green’ category within this industry and offers fuel products that give off less emissions—hence limited air pollution.

BC: Consumers are incredibly skeptical of dubious eco-friendly claims, and express resentment about disingenuous brands that lie about a concern of great interest to them. It is impossible for most brands—especially those in the auto industry—to truly go green, so the best they can do is lead the effort without lying in the process. But just like last year, the number one answer to this question is a resounding ”none.”

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Which brand was best able to rebound from a crisis?

Top Five Answers: Apple, McDonald’s, Ford, Maple Leaf Foods, Goldman Sachs

Despite Steve Jobs medical conditions and the global economic mess, Apple is still THE cool brand that consumers want and willing to spend on. Their stock price has held at the mid to high 90's whereas a number of other consumer electronic brands and manufacturer's have taken a royal beating.

Overcame new competition and bad wrap from first generation iPhone service issues to introduce another successful re-birth.

At least Apple seemed to facing an impending crisis this past year, with Steve Jobs having to take a leave from his position. It does not seem as if the brand has skipped a beat, the company may be, but not the brand.

McDonalds has shown to be a market leader in the current economic crisis, recent figures show that the chain has recorded considerable increases in sales over the last 2 quarters. Its low price point appeals to consumers in such tough economic times.

Took advantage of the economic downturn to market its low-priced value meals, whilst continuing to offer more health-conscious products. It's expansion of the McCafes to compete directly against Starbuck's higher-prices cappuccinos and lattes has proved very successful.

By turning down the government bailouts, they really connected on a great level with their target audience on many different levels.

I think Ford is really trying to distant itself from the other two American car makers. They have some new innovative designs and classy commercials to prove it. They don't have to compare themselves to anyone like GM is doing. They are placing themselves as a leader.

Devastated by Listeriosis in Canada. But what’s happening now? Well they are making money like crazy word on the street is everyone wants to buy their products now because they are probably safer.

The scandal of the tainted luncheon meat claimed lives and caused a furor. The honest, open approach from the head of Maple Leaf helped to demonstrate that Maple Leaf was still a responsible, 'worthy' household brand.

From a financial sector in crisis, Goldmans is still standing and almost looks the stronger for it.

Purchased by Buffet which is solid enough endorsement for any brand to rebound.

BC: At a time when many families and individual consumers are facing crisis, they—now perhaps more than ever—are looking for sacrifice, honor and heroism from wherever they can find it—even in their brands. Brands that have chosen to keep cool, deny government bailouts, face economic challenges with creativity, rise from disaster by looking consumers in the eyes and accepting both blame and responsibility or openly restructure ineffective business paradigms will reap the benefits of their stoicism, imagination and competence.

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Which celebrity had the best relationship with a brand?

Top Five Answers: Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, George Clooney, David Beckham, Barack Obama

He has a spotless reputation and personifies all of the attributes that golf and his sponsors wish to communicate to their chosen target markets.

When you think of Tiger Woods, you think of Tag Heuer. They have successfully incorporated his image, personality and talent into the brand. Consumers can also identify themselves with the brand because of his endorsement and also with the practicality of the product i.e. it's durable, fashionable and luxurious.

He's transformed how consumers now view the financial services company UBS. Brings out the feeling that it’s a winner company.

You connected with him even if you weren't an athlete or a fan. The presence with his branding was amazing. People still remember the ads and he hasn't really been a focus of them in years.

He has always maintained a superior, professional and desirable status within the world of basketball. MJ has established himself as the elite, supreme, and untarnished representative of sports. He is admired, and assumed to be without personal blemish.

Nespresso wouldn't be the same without his suave manners and sartorial style. He epitomizes what the brand is about without becoming arrogant or snobbish. In fact, he manages to elevate the obvious upper class target of Nespresso to a certain je ne sais quoi. It's never nouveau riche, and still Nespresso is the Martini of the noughties.

Nespresso—Clooney's strange mix of allure, style and closeness with the common audience is perfect for a brand that wants to establish itself as just that ... a stylish brand that you can take into your home and blend with your everyday life.

He is a brand on his own and the fact that he has been connected to any other brand just shows the relationship he has [with consumers] so far. The fact that all he has touched so far has increased [exposure] even if some might think he is not much of an asset recently.

No-one spotted he only plays for Adidas teams. He is effortlessly cool in spite of 'her' and can sit in an 'old skool' commercial alongside Run DMC and Pharrel.

His adoption of his BlackBerry and his attachment to the product, given his position in the world has enhanced the equity of the brand dramatically.

Is he a celebrity, a brand or President of the US? Will we consider a broader definition of "brand" that encompasses all of these elements?

BC: Once solely the domain of athletes and actors, President Barack Obama is bringing change to the celebrity endorsement game. Unlike paid personalities who pimp their reputations while hawking credit cards, coffee and clothes on television, the President’s unsolicited and sincere attachment to his favorite technology just may provide a glimpse into the future of brand sponsorships. Surprisingly, the top five answers to this question are all men. Sorry, Paris.

Which nation brand improved its appeal the most?

Top Five Answers: USA, China, India, Australia, Brazil

The answer to this question rather depends on 'to whom’…for e.g. Russia probably improved its nation brand the most, once again, but only to its own inhabitants. In terms of external appeal (i.e. the rest of the world) the USA wins handily by virtue of fielding and then electing a chief executive whose rhetoric directly opposes many of the country's most negative perceptions. And whose very existence provides proof of concept for the country's most positive universal attribute—the 'dream.’

Getting a president in the Oval Office who induces new hope—the American dream seems to be still alive and kicking. The nation brand is more a target for hope than for hate.

The election of President Barack Obama, America's first black president, has demonstrated to the international community our commitment to change and be a nation that lives up to her ideologies.

China has faced enormous change and continues to do so. It's culture, society, finances, markets, historic inward focus—I could go on forever. The recent Olympics was a tremendous nation brand exercise in many ways from the Games themselves to the ceremonies, to the architecture, to the reluctant acceptance of opening up the Internet and the intrusion of foreigners into the affairs of China.

On its way to a grand opening into the world of branding. Still it will be long-term yet its ad spending has increased and China has been given opportunities such as the Olympics and the upcoming world fair in 2010 to re-position its image globally.

I answer this question with mixed feelings. Scandals such as Satyam detracted from India's brand presence this year. However there was such solidarity after the Mumbai attacks that reached the entire globe. Additionally, with the success of Slumdog Millionaire, the world is truly getting to learn what India is about.

Great TV campaign, seriously invested money in media space and a global campaign; a great ad showing India's diversity and cultural richness.

Their ads have captured the essence of the people and the lifestyle that sets their culture apart. They are honest and true to their spirit and only those who truly appreciate their zest for life will make the trip down under but it'll be worth it because they will have no trouble being authentic to their brand promises.

I just love their "_____ is Australian for _______" campaign. I want to go there, I want to build business relations with people there. It just seems to be a friendly place.

The idea of samba, beautiful girls, soccer and beaches still exists. Keep this in mind and add a well-organized financial system, its leadership in biofuel and its cultural richness. Hey, that's a place to know more about.

It's leaving behind the only-samba-carnival image to explore its cultural heritage, business potential and fight against inequality.

BC: In a year when just about everything conceivable lost value, capital, and stock, some nation brands made notable improvements to their brands in the global community. As the world redefines itself amid uncertainty and financial turmoil, elections, Olympics and cultural mores all played a part in defining which nations increased their standing in the world.

What was the most inspiring brand?

Top Five Answers: Apple, Obama, Nike, Coca-Cola, Google

Because they keep reinventing themselves. They manage to innovate their products [so] that they are both sexy and inspiring. Apple in my opinion is a lovemark. Take e.g. iPhone applications. Isn't that a great brand strategy to let your consumers/fans develop those application and the turn that into a profitable business model?

It connects stuff, making them work ok. Nowadays you need a computer, you need to communicate, you need some proper tools to do that, in my opinion Apple has succeeded to distinguish [itself] as a complete, viable solution for communications, either computer, phones or software.

What a wonderful brand—the advertising and packaging inspire creativity—it's all about facilitating doing what you want to do creatively. Not just using the product.

He represents something beyond who he actually is as a person and a political figure. He was inclusive and challenging at the same time—innovative and pragmatic. Anytime a brand can fuse two opposites together in a way that is 'elevating', I think they are really inspiring.

No brand inspired more people, all over the world. In Dubai on election day, everyone asked us, "Do you think he will win?" They assumed we knew who "he" was. They couldn't tell you about IPod's ads, but huge numbers could tell you Obama's theme: ‘Change!’ This is the only possible "right" answer to this question in my strong opinion.

Nike continues to define authentic athletic performance with product innovation, smart celebrity endorsements, but most importantly, the aspirational ability to tap into my inner couch potato and get me off my butt.

What else can make you jog at 6 a.m. and feel so happy and proud of your jogging outwear?

It still remains vibrant and current and integrates current events and trends into branding strategy extremely well. It appeals to more than just a cult.

It looks beyond the simple features of the product and promotes different positive feelings.

I believe Google continues to be a company with fine principles, managed by highly competent people, and interested in growing its presence in the market by bringing to the public web-based products that well designed. Also, the company has made great efforts to support socially progressive causes like the environment and the No to Proposition 8 in California.

Google drives innovation by making it always easier, simpler, faster and better for the regular individual—quite an example of how limitless is the extent of creativity.

BC: Strong brands are inspirational and represent not only products, but also systems of beliefs and values. Weak brands misrepresent themselves in an effort to gain popularity and sell products—greenwashing, for instance. Yet the brands mentioned above stand for creativity, imagination, health, and sustainable development. According to the pedestrian definition of branding explains, “Branding is what people say about you when you’re not in the room.” Well, brandchannel provided the room, and the brands above should be quite happy to hear what’s being said about them.

In conclusion:
A special thank you to our readers who spent the time and energy to take the 2009 brandjunkie awards survey. Your compelling, knowledgeable and keen insights and observations on brands and the branding industry are greatly appreciated by the brandchannel staff, and, more importantly, our readership.

These were not easy questions and they required considerable thought—and you will see them again next year! So start compiling your answers now! It will be 2010 before you know it, and the year ahead will have its share of quirky brand names, exceptional viral marketing campaigns, enticing package designs and other exciting developments in this industry of ours.

Best, and thank you for reading brandchannel.

[23-Mar-2009]

Jim Thompson is the editor of brandchannel.com.


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Brandchannel’s 2009 brandjunkie awards results

Great job as always Brandchannel! With Brandjunkie you provide marketers a great service and get the halo effect of all this great thinking. Sly and smart use of the brand community.

John Reisky de Dubnic, Managing Partner, The Duffy Agency - March 23, 2009

Really useful insights here, thanks guys.

Gemma Went, Director, Red Cube Marketing - March 23, 2009

What was the percentage of voters by nationality? Looking at nominated brands, there seems to be a heavy US skew with a slight rally from Australia.

- March 23, 2009

Every year I read the results for Brandchannel flagship survey I am shocked by Apple's ability to place not only in almost every category but also in seemingly paradoxical ones. Best retail environment? Most inspiring? But also Best comeback? Most controversial? It seems that while Apple has done a great job branding itself and its products t has done an even better job branding the WHOLE INDUSTRY, where it has installed itself as the easy, maybe-lazy response to any "branding" conversation, a phenomenon which is self-reinforcing.

Abram, Sauer - March 24, 2009

Excellent information, the only "but" I put on the Junkie Awards is that they are evidently made thinking basically from an U.S perspective

European, African, Latin American and Asiatic people have definitely very different approaches to brands (Maybe an opportunity to tropicalize the Junkie awards by region?)

Thanks for your always insightful information anyway!

Mauricio Montenegro - March 26, 2009

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Dec 18, 2009	The Networked Boomer Woman: Hear Us Roar -- Mya Frazier
	Boomer women now spending on themselves.

Sep 14, 2009	Brand Engagement: Packaging Service Brands -- Randall Frost
	Why brands and employees must share values.

Sep 7, 2009	After the Fall: What Really Happens to Bankrupt Brands -- Barry Silverstein
	How dead brands live through licensing.

Aug 31, 2009	Guerilla Event Marketing—A Mob in a Flash -- Jennifer Gidman
	Mob mentality connects with advertisers.

Aug 24, 2009	Small Country, Big Brands -- Barry Silverstein
	Swiss brands adapt to a changing world.

Aug 17, 2009	Farmwashing: Big Food’s Branding Woes...Again -- Mya Frazier
	Food brands farm out idyllic perceptions.

Aug 10, 2009	How Sports Brands Create Brand Fanatics -- Barry Silverstein
	Sports brands score with fans.

Aug 3, 2009	2009 brandcameo Product Placement Awards Survey
	Readers react to product placements in this year's number one films.

Jul 27, 2009	Targeting Tots: How Brands Connect with Children -- Vivian Manning-Schaffel
	Brands understand the power of children.

Jul 20, 2009	Rebranding: Looking Beyond Logos in India
	Why some Indian Brands brand beyond logos.

Jul 13, 2009	Brandinavia: Why Nordic Brands Rule -- Barry Silverstein
	How Scandinavia’s Viking roots empower its brands.

Jul 6, 2009	Nouveau Niche: Targeting African Immigrants in the US -- Mya Frazier
	The US’s newest untapped demographic.

Jun 29, 2009	What Now for the Money Brands? -- Barry Silverstein
	Financial brands invest in the future.

Jun 22, 2009	Cleared for Landing? Airline Brands and China -- Laura Fitch
	Can airline brands spread their wings in China?

Jun 15, 2009	African Diamond Brands: Romancing the Stone -- A.K. Cabel
	Can African diamonds cut the cultural glass ceiling?

Jun 8, 2009	Beer Wars: Branding Lessons of the Independents -- Mya Frazier
	Independent beer brands take a stand.

Jun 1, 2009	New Opportunities for Healthcare Brands -- Barry Silverstein
	Healthcare brands learn to operate in the future.

May 25, 2009	Why Brands Have an Eye on Facebook - Vivian Manning-Schaffel
	Brands want to friend Facebook.

May 18, 2009	By Design: Luxury Brands in China -- Laura Fitch
	Can luxury brands take mainland China?

May 11, 2009	Ethnic Food Brands: A Guide to the World on a Shelf -- Barry Silverstein
	Ethnic food brands reflect changing tastes.

May 4, 2009	The Purchasing Power of Middle Eastern Moms
	Appreciating the Middle Eastern mother demographic.

Apr 27, 2009	Can Brand Loyalty Be Bought? -- Barry Silverstein
	A faithful look at consumer loyalty.

Apr 20, 2009	Risky Business: When Personalities Promote Brands -- Mya Frazier
	Branding is personal for some employees.

Apr 13, 2009	Made in Japan: The Culture Behind the Brand -- Chauncey Zalkin
	How Japanese people make Japanese Brands.

Apr 6, 2009	Marketing Strategies that Build Value -- Barry Silverstein
	How new ideas create old-school value.

Mar 30, 2009	Trade Shows: Where Brands Make a Stand -- Asher Levine
	How brands represent at trade shows.

Mar 16, 2009	Packaging: Lessons from Tropicana’s Fruitless Design -- Jennifer Gidman
	Tropicana gets squeezed by loyal customers.

Mar 9, 2009	Franchise Brands: More than a Logo -- Barry Silverstein
	Franchise brands cross cultures.

Mar 2, 2009	BRIC Beauty Brands Looking Good -- Ana Paula Palombo Terzi
	BRIC brands smell of success.

Feb 23, 2009	Magazine Brands: A Niche for Success -- Barry Silverstein
	Magazine brands are bound to niche readers.

Feb 16, 2009	Celebrity Brands: Extending 15 Minutes of Fame -- Vivian Manning-Schaffel
	Can beauty alone make a brand?

Feb 9, 2009	Detroit’s Big Three: Car Brands in a Pile-Up -- Dale Buss
	US car brands’ crash course in brand engagement.

Feb 2, 2009	Airlines 2.0: Online Technologies Take Off in a Recession -- Shashank Nigam
	Airline brands buckle up for economic turbulence.

Jan 26, 2009	The Big Three in ED: Pharma Brands Get in the Mood -- Barry Silverstein
	The ABCs of ED pills.

Jan 19, 2009	Peanut Butter Brands Go Nuts -- Jennifer Gidman
	These peanut butter brands stick together.

Jan 12, 2009	Portuguese Brands: Why the Past is the Future -- Joe Ray
	Old school brands teach new branding lessons.

Jan 5, 2009	Brand Extensions: Risks and Rewards -- Barry Silverstein
	Can brand extensions reach budgeting consumers?

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