Zara, BBVA and Santander consolidate as the three Spanish brands with the highest value in 2026 by dominating the 'top 30' of the Kantar BrandZ ranking, prepared based on the market capitalization and the valuation given by consumers themselves.
Collectively, the 30 most valuable Spanish brands reach a historic high of 147 billion dollars (about 126.864 billion euros), after advancing 27% in the last fiscal year.
For the eighth consecutive year, Zara remains at the forefront of the 'top 30', with a value of 38.029 million dollars (32.818,1 million euros), which implies a 12% increase. Its strength in the sector, its weight as a fashion reference, and its constant ability to respond to customer expectations reinforce its leadership in both pricing and differentiation.
BBVA climbs to second place after raising its brand value by 61%, to 18.269 billion dollars (15.761 billion euros), driven by a combination of tradition and modernity that places it among the most distinctive and relevant firms on the list and, according to consumers, as the one with the greatest potential to solidify its position in the coming years.
Santander completes the podium, which has increased its value by 80%, to 16,598 million dollars (14,319 million euros), supported by a solid social purpose and an increasingly significant digital and cultural experience.
In fourth position remains Iberdrola, with a valuation of 12.149 million dollars (10.482 million euros), 30% more, while Movistar closes the group of the top five. The telco falls from second to fifth position after retreating 21%, to 9.935 million dollars (8.571 million euros).
In this edition, banking consolidates as one of the great drivers of Kantar BrandZ's 'Top 30': nine entities concentrate around one third of the total value of the ranking. To those already mentioned are added Caixabank, in position 7, with one of the largest growths on the list, by boosting its brand value by 94% to 6,669 million dollars (5,777 million euros); Sabadell, which advances one position to 19, with 1,164 million dollars (1,004 million euros); Bankinter, which appears in position 22, and Abanca, which enters for the first time in 24.
Fashion is also confirmed as a key category in the global scenario. The six brands in the sector present in the classification increase their combined value by 11% and account for 35% of the total value of the ranking.
Inditex leads this segment with five fast-growing brands: Zara (1), Bershka (10), Pull&Bear (11), Massimo Dutti (13) and Stradivarius (14). Mango, which remains in 15th place, also stands out, with a value 15% higher than the previous year, exceeding 2.110 million dollars (1.820 million euros).
In the distribution sector, Mercadona retains ninth place after advancing 30% and placing its brand value at 3,909 million dollars (3,372 million euros). El Corte Inglés, for its part, strengthens its position at 17, with a valuation of 1,326 million dollars (1,144 million euros), an 11% increase.
Loewe, Abanca and Cupra enter the list
Among this year's additions, Loewe stands out, debuting in the ranking as the only Spanish luxury brand, in 20th place, with a value of 1,077 million dollars (929 million euros).
Abanca also debuts, in position 24, with a brand value of 830 million dollars (716 million euros), and stands out for being widely recognized by consumers, who perceive it as a disruptive brand. From the automotive sector comes another novelty, Cupra, which thanks to its differential positioning is placed in 27th position, with a value of 604 million dollars (521 million euros).
The report equally reflects changes in consumption patterns in the alcohol sector, with a growing preference of consumers for alcohol-free or low-alcohol alternatives (NoLo), which is transforming this category.
This shift in habits translates into only two Spanish breweries appearing this year: Mahou, which loses six places to 25, and Cruzcampo, which descends from 23 to 30.
As alcoholic beverage brands adapt to these new trends, it is key that executives closely monitor the health of their brands and design campaigns and experiences that allow them to remain relevant, with more personalized, attractive proposals and aligned with new consumer expectations.