Superbrands, the independent authority and arbiter of branding, announced that ‘Malabar Gold And Diamonds Group’ has won the coveted ‘Brand of the Year’ award at the 12^th annual Superbrands tribute event, which was held at the Intercontinental Hotel in Dubai Festival City. Sixty-two leading brands from the UAE were awarded Superbrands status and the 2016 Superbrands book was unveiled at the event, also dubbed the ‘Oscars of Branding’, where the UAE’s strongest brands were honoured.

Speaking on the well-deserved win by the Malabar Gold And Diamonds Group, Mr. Mike English, Director, Superbrands Middle East said, “We are thrilled to announce that Malabar Gold And Diamonds has been voted Brand of the Year for 2016 by Superbrands. The Brand has, over the years, enjoyed a reputable position as one of the most trusted brands in India and GCC in the jewellery segment. Malabar Gold And Diamonds scored the highest points amongst all the brands and we would like to congratulate them and wish them continued success as they continue to keep their obligation to consumers as well as to society.”

Established in 1993 in South Indian state of Kerala, Malabar Gold & Diamonds today has a strong retail network of 150 outlets spread across nine countries, ten wholesale units in addition to offices, design centres and factories spread across India, Middle East and Far East. With an annual turnover of $4 billion, the company currently ranks among the world’s top five jewellery retailers in terms of annual turnover. Malabar Gold & Diamonds is vertically integrated right from bullion sourcing, product designing, manufacturing, wholesaling and finally to retailing, operating the largest jewellery store in Dubai at Gold Souk, Deira and the largest jewellery store in Middle East at Hamdan Street, Abu Dhabi..

With over 2,000 leading brands in the UAE vying for the coveted Superbrands title, only sixty-two scored more than 80% of the total possible mark and were declared Superbrands by the Brand Council. Winning this accolade is a powerful endorsement and evidence for existing customers, potential customers, the media, suppliers, investors and employees of each brand’s exceptional status. This year, Superbrands were voted not only by the brand council but also by online voting, which has expanded the voting base to almost 2,000 senior managers and marketing professionals.

The Superbrands programme acknowledges and rewards the highest standards of branding. Over the years, the Superbrands organisation has achieved international acclaim for being the independent authority and arbiter of branding excellence. The organisation is committed to the cause of promoting exceptional brands and the discipline of branding in the region.

The 2016 Superbrands book is a coffee table book, which includes a two-page profile of each Superbrand tracing the foundation and development of the brand and a ‘Things You Didn’t Know section’ highlighting interesting facts about the brand and its unique achievements was also unveiled at the Tribute Event.

“This year it is heartening to see so many local home grown brands and some new entrants in the market make it into the Superbrands UAE book in addition to internationally recognized brands. To be voted a Superbrand is a powerful endorsement and is evidence for existing customers, potential customers, media, suppliers, investors and employees of each brand’s exceptional status,” Mr. English concluded.