By Princewill Ekwujuru

Samsung has climbed the ranks in Interbrand’s Best Global Brands Report for 2012, ranking 9th among the top 10 brands for the first time in its history, rises 40 percent in brand value.

George Ferreira, Vice President/COO for Samsung Electronics Africa, said “The market growth witnessed by Samsung over the year is underpinned by its ability to constantly re-invent its product offerings and its ability to innovate and adapt to the changing needs of the global and African market. Being recognised as one of the Top 10 Best Global Brands is evidence of our success.”

Asked on what was responsible for the leap, Ferreira said, “We have expanded our presence on the continent from 15 to 42 countries and we are working hard to build products and programmes for Africa’s unique needs, resources and conditions which to our mind have truly set the brand apart from our competitors.

Our focus is one of community and commercial benefit, building both with equally significant importance,” adds Ferreira. “Our Built for Africa products are premium products that really speak to the understanding that Samsung have around the challenges our African consumers face – from limited resources, electricity and water for example, to needing true innovation that works with the geographical landscape.”

Continuing, he stated, “Samsung have and will continue to focus on successfully building products for the needs of Africans, from a Business to Business, Business to Government and Business to Consumer perspective.

Applauded as one of the biggest successes of 2012, marked by an impressive 40 percent rise in brand value, substantially higher than the industry average of 16 percent, Samsung have steadily climbed the Interbrand Best Global Brand ranking since 2002, jumping 8 places from 17 in 2011 to 9 in 2012.