Boston-based Protobrand, a consumer insight and brand development firm, has officially released their annual report which identifies and evaluates the top 25 most powerful brands in New England. The firm ranked brands across eight distinct dimensions: cultural power, brand momentum, distinctiveness, uniqueness, quality, loyalty, admiration and resume enhancement.

From sports to iced coffee to outdoor clothing, these beloved New England behemoths have been working it on the marketing and branding front not just once, but over time, resonating in big ways with consumers. Without further ado, here are the top 25 most powerful New England brands according to Protobrand:

Of note in particular with regard to this year’s rankings: ESPN was ranked #1 for the second year in a row, and 8 of the top 25 companies are in food or fitness categories.

“ESPN emerges as the most powerful, along with Subway, GE, Dunkin’ Donuts, Ben & Jerry’s and L.L. Bean. The power of ESPN lies in its keen insight into what people want and the ability to keep delivering the best sports content across every media format,” stated Phil Granof, CEO, Protobrand. He went on to explain,

“Slowly emerging from the economic funk, consumers seem to be taking better care of themselves, physically, emotionally, and financially. Some of this year’s movers tapped into this national mood with marketing and advertising that was both memorable and salient. They resonated with the drive for the physical and financial well-being that helps foster emotional balance and an optimistic outlook.”

As for Protobrand’s methodology in analyzing New England brands for this second annual ranking, the company tapped over four hundred marketing executives. You can download or view the repor an analysis of each brand in full here, which also details the methodology .

Congrats to all these New England brand innovators!