Women in KSA regard Almarai as best brand

RIYADH — This year’s ranking of the best perceived brands by women leans heavily toward two categories: technology and food products. Almarai has continued to win positive appeal amongst women in KSA throughout 2016 taking the number 1 position. The largest vertically integrated dairy producer in the Middle East ignited social media in 2016 with the launch of its film on mother’s milk and its family-focused advertising. The mother’s milk video became the second most shared video on YouTube in the world in just one week and came in globally as the 7th most shared video of 2016. Apple sits at second place in the rankings, with the release of the new mac book pro, iOS 10 Software, the Apple Watch Series 2 and the iPhone 7 with wireless AirPods, Apple have had a year of updated releases. At third place is Whatsapp, the social messaging App. With the recent introduction of ‘Status’ video stories and updated in app features, Whatsapp continues to appeal to users. iPhone comes in at fourth place, with the release in 2016 of the much awaited iPhone 7 models which included the introduction of water-resistance and an improved camera to the phone. Saudi’s very own fried chicken chain Al Baik takes fifth place and is the only restaurant in the top 10 of the best perceived brands by women in KSA. Samsung at sixth place, has gone through a tough period in the past year with the company recall of some 2.5 million note 7 devices following multiple battery issues worldwide. The release of the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge pink gold version of its latest smartphone exclusively for the Saudi market may have helped boost Samsung’s brand impression among women. The world’s largest video-streaming website YouTube sits at seventh place. With a continued increase in content, as well as the introduction of 4k and 360° video, the platform is well perceived by women in KSA. Instagram, in eighth place, has introduced the new app feature of “stories” in 2016, helping to maintain a positive perception among women in KSA. Confectionary brand Galaxy sits at ninth place in the rankings. Airline giant Emirates continues to impress women in KSA with star studded advertising campaigns and a consistent level of customer satisfaction leading the brand to 10th position in the overall perception rankings. Unlike the top 10 list, the greatest improvers over the past year crossed over numerous categories. Leading the way is Facebook, with the launch of 360 photos and videos across the platform, new and improved app features and the launch of ‘Marketplace’, consumers are continually engaging with the brand. The other tech company on the improvers list at number five is Snapchat, part of the soon-to-be publicly-traded Snap Inc. the app has been on a fast growth track, now crossing beyond teen messaging. KFC leads the way for food brands coming in at second place, followed by McDonalds at seventh. Zain sits in third place with the only other mobile provider on the list Mobily in ninth position. Carrefour lead the retailers in improvers at fourth place, followed by Home Centre in sixth, Jarir in eight and finally Extra at tenth place. — SG