Nokia, the telecoms giant, and Colgate, the oral care specialist, are the two most trusted brands in India, a survey has found.

Business title the Economic Times partnered with research firm Nielsen to identify which products enjoyed the highest levels of awareness, familiarity and equity among shoppers.

Finnish handset maker Nokia entered India in 1995, headed the rankings for the third successive year.

The company claimed 71st place upon its chart debut in 2004, climbing to 44th in 2006 and fourth in 2007, and suggested such pre-eminence relies on a mixture of consistency and innovation.

"I would argue that the tougher the economic and social context, the more consumers reach out to comfortable, honest and authentic choices like Nokia," said D Shivakumar, its managing director in India.

"Trusted brands invariably respond to increased competition by focusing on what they do well and also by building something new for the future."

Colgate, active in India from the 1930s onwards, retained second spot behind Nokia, as it has in every annual study since 2008.

Previously, it had occupied first position four times in a row.

Wow, can't imagine we could soon be without Bata and Colgate, if Pepsodent and Reebok get their way...but will Indian handsets and the Chinese edge out Nokia?

Posted via email from The Marketing Post