From startups to multi-billion-dollar companies and across diverse sectors, the selected brands aim to tell their own stories, move at the speed of the internet and generate ideas people can't wait to talk about, says Contagious.

Regarded to be creative, disruptive and innovative, the list has been shaped by today's biggest business challenges and opportunities, from media fragmentation and artificial intelligence to the creator economy and worldbuilding, adds Contagious.

"What unites many of these diverse brands is that they have found success by moving away from simply manufacturing products or providing services. Instead, they're creating experiences that surprise and delight," says Sunil Bajaj, Lead Brand Analys at Contagious.

"And rather than focusing on serving individual customers, they've considered how they can better benefit communities and bring people together," adds Bajaj. "Because, in 2026, you can't just be a Contagious brand by selling stuff alone, you have to make people want to spend time with you." 

Brands Spanning Nine Key Areas

The 45 Contagious Brands of 2026 span nine key areas from around the world.  

Destination Designers: 

  • Kura Sushi, Japan
  • Dick's Sporting Goods, United States
  • Gentle Monster, South Korea
  • Games Workshop, United Kingdom, and
  • Miniso Land, China.

Everyday Magic Makers:

  • Scrub Daddy, United States
  • Bustanica, United Arab Emirates
  • Fishwife, United States
  • Bold, Brazil 
  • Dr Squatch, United States, and
  • Kurand, Japan.

Product Innovators: 

  • Ather Energy, India 
  • SharkNinja, United States
  • Loop, Belgium
  • Starface, United States
  • Oura, Finland, and
  • Octopus Energy, United Kingdom.

Creator Makers:

  • Starbucks, United States
  • Nykaa, India 
  • Currys, United Kingdom, and
  • Grillo's Pickles.

Gen Z Magnets:

  • Bathu, South Africa
  • BuzzBallz, United States
  • Poppi, United States
  • Buldak, South Korea, and
  • Luckin Coffee, China.

Worldbuilders: 

  • Vacation, United States
  • Jellycat, United Kingdom
  • Clash of Clans, Finland 
  • Mixue Ice Cream, China, and
  • Fanatics, United States.

AI Pioneers: 

  • Xpanceo, United Arab Emirates  
  • Zapia, Uruguay, and
  • Runway, United States.

Community Builders: 

  • GTA Online, United Kingdom
  • Substack, United States
  • Hello Tractor, Nigeria
  • Hubla, Brazil
  • Letterbox, New Zealand, and
  • Tecate, Mexico.

Value Champions: 

  • Back Market, France
  • Vinted, Lithuania
  • Skinny, New Zealand
  • Cheaf, Mexico, and
  • Mercado Libre, Argentina.

Access the full report here.

For more information visit www.contagious.com. You can also follow Contagious on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of www.contagious.com.