iPod could usurp Coke in battle of the brands

COCA-COLA could soon be toppled off its perch as the world’s most valuable brand, according to a new report.

The famous red logo was once so recognisable the company was able to run a billboard campaign with a bottle of coke and the text: “If you don’t know what this is, welcome to planet earth.’’

But now the company no longer has the monopoly as a host of new labels and products, from Apple to MTV, vie for consumer attention. Its value has declined 4% annually over the past four years, Forbes magazine reports.