Monocle: Top 20 to Watch for Global Innovation
In its June issue, Monocle surveys 20 to Watch: the most innovative brands and companies in the world that might just become “the Uniqlos and Hyatts of tomorrow.” These are the companies with global ambitions and a keen understanding of what international consumers want and need: “From a Nigerian newspaper to a Swiss software firm, we shine the light on 20 companies whose great ideas and products are about to go global.” Here’s a list of the Top 10 of Monocle’s 20 to Watch:
(1) Rapha – London-based maker of cycling wear (including a men’s bespoke jacket for city riding)
(2) IndiGo – An Indian budget airline set to start flying out of Mumbai and Delhi to Singapore and Dubai
(3) Adaptive Eyewear – UK-based maker of adjustable eyeglasses for emerging markets in Africa
(4) Alrov Hotels – Israel’s first-ever global luxury service brand, with hotels in Jerusalem, London and Amsterdam
(5) NEXT – A Nigerian-based newspaper that has ambitions to become Africa’s first continental newspaper (kinda like a USA Today that Bono would read while shuttling across Africa)
(6) Vinicola Miolo – Brazilian winemaker
(7) Scotiabank – Canada’s third-largest bank, expanding rapidly into the Caribbean and South America
(8) Volley Internationals – Australian sports shoes
(9) Bourbon Coffee – Rwandan coffeemaker
(10) Procedural – Zurich-based maker of 3D software packages for architects
While Monocle typically takes a Euro- and Nippon-centric view of the world, it’s a bit surprising that only two U.S. companies – Wing Zone (ranked #11; chicken wings) and Fee Brothers (ranked #16; fruity mixes and cordial syrups for high-end mixologists) – managed to crack the Top 20.
[Image: Rapha of London via Monocle]
