Competition among the world's most popular food chains has reached a new level. The new rating, published by international consulting agencies, showed how the balance of power is changing in the world of the restaurant business. Zamin.uz presents the most expensive brands in the industry and unexpected changes in the market.
By the end of 2026, the famous McDonald's brand managed to increase its value by another 5%, reaching $42.6 billion. This indicator gave the American fast-food giant absolute leadership in the Brand Finance ranking for the second year in a row. According to the study, the total capitalization of the world's top 25 restaurant brands is $190.1 billion.
Strong triplets and unexpected recessions
Interesting changes were observed in the upper ranks of the rating:
- Starbucks: Despite maintaining second place, due to fierce competition in the Chinese market, the brand's value decreased by 4% to $37 billion.
- KFC: The industry, which continues to win consumer favor, completed the top three with an 8% increase ($16.5 billion).
- Chick-fil-A: demonstrated a record 44% jump (US$8.1 billion) due to active expansion in the US.
McDonald's and Subway: Two Strategies
The secret to McDonald's' success lies in the steady revenue from the franchise system and global expansion. The company recorded the highest figure since 2013, opening 102 new points in the US alone. Today, the chain owns 43.4 thousand restaurants worldwide.
Subway became 18 percent more expensive due to its focus on digital sales and international markets (Paraguay, Mongolia). Interestingly, while the network is expanding abroad, the number of branches in the US domestic market has dropped to the lowest level in the last 20 years (19,500).
Asian "dragons" are attacking
The most sensational event of the ranking this year was the triumphant march of Chinese brands. Mixue, Haidilao, and Luckin Coffee made the top 25 for the first time.
Analysts' opinion: Chinese companies have begun to pose a serious threat to global giants by choosing the "cheap and popular" model rather than the "expensive and luxurious" one.
Dear compatriots, which fast-food chain's dishes do you think are the highest quality and tasty? When do you think our local brands will be able to enter such international rankings?
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