Coca-Cola rules the world

COCA-COLA has survived global economic setbacks to remain the world's top brand name, worth nearly $70bn (£46bn).

It grew its brand image by 1% last year despite a fall in value of other famous companies such as Ford, IBM, Intel and Nokia.

Researchers at London-based Interbrand produced a league of 100 brand names reflecting the value of future earnings. Electronics group Samsung became the fastest growing brand with a 30% rise. News agency Reuters was the top British company in the league at number 58. Only four other UK brands made the list - BP, Shell, Smirnoff and Johnnie Walker.

Coca-Cola will introduce a berry-flavoured version of its Fanta brand in August in response to rival PepsiCo's launch of Pepsi Blue, the Wall Street Journal reported today.

The launches within weeks of each other are typical of the cola wars, according to the Journal, where the soft drink makers are perpetually engaged in a battle for market share.