Atlanta's Coca-Cola is No. 1 brand, says consultancy

Atlanta-based Coca-Cola remained atop a branding consultancy's rankings of the best brands in the world. Coke was No. 1 for the 12th consecutive year in Interbrand's Annual Best Global Brands of 2011 report, which was released Tuesday. Tech giant Apple, the fastest riser in this year's survey, moved into the Top 10 for the first time at No. 8. Interbrand bases its rankings on the brand's financial performance, the role of brand in the purchase decision process and the brand's ability to make money. The Top 10 are Coca-Cola at No. 1, followed by IBM, Microsoft, Google, GE, McDonald's, Intel, Apple, Disney and Hewlett-Packard. Coca-Cola rival Pepsi is at No. 22.