Growthpoint Properties has debuted in 50th place in Brand Finance’s list of South Africa’s 50 Most Valuable Brands. In doing so, it has also become only SA REIT to be included in this prestigious index. Each year, leading brand valuation and strategy consultancy Brand Finance puts thousands of the world’s top brands to the test. They are evaluated to determine which are the most powerful and the most valuable by country, by industry and against all other brands worldwide.

The most valuable South African brands are included in the Brand Finance South Africa 50, launched this month in partnership with Brand South Africa and Brand Africa. For is inaugural inclusion in the 2016 ranking, Growthpoint scored a Brand Value of R1,467bn on 1 January 2016, and a Brand Rating of AA-.

Thebe Ikalafeng, Chairman of Brand Finance Africa, comments: “It’s typically quite difficult to see any movement among the top 50 list because it takes a long time to build a great brand. For that reason, many companies remain regular on the list, changing little, although jostling for position. Major shifts are usually a result of disruption in a particular industry or sector such as when the likes of Facebook and Google disrupted the communication sector globally and Outsurance and Vitality in the health sectors locally. Growthpoint’s ability to crack the list says it is doing the right things. Its inclusion recognises Growthpoint’s brand custodianship and management and the growth of its business.”

Ikalafeng adds: “Successful brands contribute to the value of South Africa as a country. They create jobs, reduce inequality and poverty. It is important to remember Brand Finance’s compilation of South Africa’s 50 Most Valuable Brands is an independent evaluation using publicly available information on each business. The only way to get on the list is to build a great brand. Brand Finance Salutes Growthpoint for its excellence in flying the South African and African flags.”

The methodology used to compile the ranking defines a brand as a marketing-related intangible asset including names, terms and visuals that create distinctive images and associations in stakeholders’ minds, thereby generating economic benefits and value. It also considers the brand contribution, which is the total economic benefit that a business derives from its brand, from volume and price premiums over generic products, to cost savings over less well-branded competitors.

Norbert Sasse, CEO of Growthpoint Properties, comments: “We’re thrilled to be included among South Africa’s 50 most valuable brands. This achievement is especially remarkable considering the relatively short time the Growthpoint brand has existed. Prior to June 2007 we were externally managed, so we really only began our own brand journey about nine years ago. South Africa’s property sector is highly competitive and a strong brand is a valuable advantage for outperformance.”

Sasse adds: “Our marketing team is the official custodian of Growthpoint’s brand and they understand that a brand is more than our logos, symbols and designs, but is a function of the entire business - what we do and how we do it. Our people are passionate and proud ambassadors of the Growthpoint brand and take their representation of the organisation extremely seriously. They drive our strong reputation and deliver on our brand promise of ‘Space to Thrive’.”

Nadine Kuzmanich, Head of Marketing at Growthpoint Properties, believes a strong business strategy underpins a strong brand.

Kuzmanich says: “Growthpoint’s marketing strategy is led by a solid business strategy that informs every element of our communication – internally and externally. We believe it is important for your actual experience with Growthpoint to align with our brand promise. We are obsessive about providing an environment in which our people, our clients and our partners can thrive. Alignment supports the authenticity and credibility of a brand.”
 
She adds that being obsessively protective of brand presentation – to all stakeholders - is an imperative for Growthpoint’s brand custodianship. “That means constantly being alert to all areas of the business to ensure every element of our brand is on point, across the country. This includes our corporate identity, language, tone, messaging and objectives.”

Growthpoint is the largest South African primary listed REIT with the vision to be a leading international property company providing space to thrive. It creates value for all its stakeholders through innovative and sustainable property solutions.

The 35th largest company on the JSE, Growthpoint is a Top 5 constituent of the FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Emerging Index and has been included in the FTSE/JSE Responsible Investment Index for seven years running. It owns and manages a diversified portfolio of 526 property assets spanning 6.8 million square metres. This includes 467 properties in South Africa, 58 properties in Australia through its investment in Growthpoint Properties Australia (GOZ) and a 50% interest in the properties at V&A Waterfront, Cape Town.