Fastest Rising Brands on Authenticity 500

January 19, 2025

Welcome to this week’s edition of Authenticity Report.

Earlier this month, the announcement of the Authenticity 500 Index rankings created a buzz, garnering over 100,000 views on LinkedIn and sparking meaningful conversations about the power of authentic branding. Building on that momentum, this week we dive deeper into two of the fastest-rising brands on the Index, as determined by insights from our community.

Our Roundup highlights the growing importance of authenticity across social media, business, and marketing, urging brands to prioritize real connections, cultural relevance, and genuine purpose over imitation and performative strategies.

This Week’s Report
—> Fastest Rising Brands
—> Tell Us
—> Authenticity Roundup
—> Top Voices

What Do You Think? We are reshaping and expanding our Authenticity platform, we'd love to have you on board and contribute! Email us directly at [email protected] 

Read Time: 3.5 mins

| Fastest Rising Brands

We released our annual Authenticity 500 Index, ranking the top brands chosen by our community. Two brands stood out.

Arc'teryx and Liquid Death both hold the title of fastest-rising brands on this year's Index, having jumped five spots in the rankings.



This is the second year in a row that Liquid Death is the fastest-rising.

Arc'teryx is considered authentic for its high-performance craftsmanship, commitment to sustainability, and deep connection to the outdoor community, which resonate with consumers seeking reliable and purpose-driven gear.

Liquid Death's in-your-face marketing, including viral videos, merchandise collaborations, and celebrity spokespeople like Martha Stewart, has exploded the brand and connected with consumers.

Here is why our community thinks they are authentic;

• Arc'teryx

"They are offering top end technical products for their demanding consumers without chasing "outdoor active streetwear trend." - Christophe C.

"It’s founding principle has influenced every part of the business; which the brand refuses to deviate from." - Hayden S.

• Liquid Death

"Undeniably original and unafraid to carve out their own unique place in the hydration landscape. This brand is so much bigger than the product they sell." - Andy S.

"Consistency of messaging style is impressive and really good. They stick to what they know which is creativity and humour. The water is just the door prize." - Tim P.

"They started a mission to make a space for canned water and stop plastic pollution and don't care if you like or don't like what they do they will still do it" - Andy D.

| Tell Us

Which Brand Is More Authentic?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

| Time To Choose

What Brands Are Authentic? It is time once again to choose which brands you feel are authentic. Please tell us via our survey (it takes less than 5 minutes to fill out).

The results of your decisions will be part of our annual Authenticity 500 Index rankings, which you will receive for free.

| Authenticity Roundup

This week's curated reads from web

 social media
•  Fall of Influencer Culture: Why Authenticity Is The New Trend

Authenticity is replacing polished perfection as audiences demand real, relatable content over transactional influencer marketing.

Read More → new wave

 business
•  Beware the Brand Imitation Trap

Startups risk failure by imitating big brands like Nike, instead of focusing on authenticity, cultural relevance, and a deep understanding of their ideal customers.

Read More → entrepreneur

marketing
•  Wokeism: Navigating The Balance Between Purpose & Authenticity

Wokeism challenges brands to balance purpose and authenticity by aligning with social justice values while avoiding performative or insincere engagement.

Read More → adgully

| Tools

We are building out our Tools section of Authenticity.co with insights to help you master business basics and apply authentic strategies for personal and brand success. For a limited time, these will be available for free to our subscribers.

• Authenticity 500 - Top 5 Brand Recap
We analyze the top five authentic brands—Patagonia, Ben & Jerry’s, Vans, Nike, and In-N-Out Burger—to uncover the secrets behind their success.

• Authenticity 500 - Brand Takeaways
Why Are Some Brands Authentic? Key Takeaways from top 5 authentic brands to uncover ways to apply their secrets to your brand.

• Enhancing Your Personal Authenticity - Worksheet
Personal authenticity is about being true to yourself and others. It’s a journey of self-discovery and alignment with your values. This worksheet will guide you to reflect on your authenticity and develop traits like being real, original, truthful, honest, genuine, showing integrity, and practicing transparency. Each section includes exercises and actionable steps to help you grow.

| Past Reports

| Top Voices

What Does Authenticity Mean To You?

| From Our Partner

Seeking impartial news? Meet 1440.

Every day, 3.5 million readers turn to 1440 for their factual news. We sift through 100+ sources to bring you a complete summary of politics, global events, business, and culture, all in a brief 5-minute email. Enjoy an impartial news experience.

This newsletter is an exclusive benefit to our Authenticity community.

Our weekly guide explores the meaning of Authenticity as it relates to our personal and professional lives and the brands we connect with, bringing you the latest insights, curated news, and guest authors.

Reply

or to participate.