Amoy's Straight-to-Wok stir-fry and rice meals, Heinz
Launched: March 2008
Amoy's straight-to-wok stir-fry and rice meals tap the popularity of Chinese food and the convenience of frozen. Six varieties, including sweet & sour chicken noodles and aromatic prawn & garlic rice, can be cooked in less than 10 minutes. A £500,000 campaign has backed the brand to date.
Andrex Longer Lasting, Kimberly-Clark
Launched: July 2007
Longer Lasting has 50% more tissue than regular Andrex and uses less pulp and fibre. It is also the first toilet paper brand to claim a reduced-carbon footprint. Already worth £10m, it is being launched in different colours.
Aquafresh 3-way Buzz toothbrush, GSK
Launched: FebRUARY 2007
An affordable alternative to more expensive rechargeable brushes that keeps many of the attributes that have made Aquafresh's manual brushes so popular, such as the patented flex technology neck.
Baby Balance, Cow & Gate
Launched: July 2007
Cow & Gate's premium range of breakfast cereals has got the early years of child development covered. The products are aimed at four different stages of development, and include smooth cereals for babies and multigrain porridge and crunchy cereals for toddlers. A £20m campaign, including TV ads, is supporting the Cow & Gate brand this year, so it will get noticed.
Baked Beanz Snap Pots, Heinz
Launched: October 2007
Baked beans are already the ultimate in convenience food but Heinz's Snap Pots makes them even easier to prepare. The 200g portions cook in a microwave for one minute and have already wowed buyers. Set to be one of the biggest new products this year.
Baked and Seasoned Nuts, KP
Launched: January 2008
A healthier option, being baked rather than fried, with no artificial colours or flavours. The oversized peanuts come in Thai sweet chilli, sea salt & black pepper, and lime & coriander.
Beetroot Pouches, Baxters
Launched: May 2008
Beetroot is the new superfood and Baxters' new beetroot pouches combine health with convenience and modern flavours. The company says the pouches lock in flavour combinations such as beetroot with chilli, lime & white balsamic vinaigrette; honey, cardamom & white wine vinaigrette; and garlic, rosemary & red wine vinaigrette.
Ben & Jerry's Fairtrade Chunky Monkey
Launched: January 2008
A Fairtrade variant of what is already one of Ben & Jerry's most popular ice cream flavours, the mixture of cream, chocolatey bananas and chunky walnuts can't fail to be a hit with the summer now officially here.
Benecol Yoghurt, McNeil Nutritionals
Launched: November 2007
Benecol's low-fat bio live plain yoghurt is the first natural yoghurt on the market that lowers cholesterol. It can be eaten as a snack, used in a smoothie or to accompany a main meal.
Bertolli Savoury Nibbles, Burton's Foods
Launched: March 2007
The Bertolli range of Italian-inspired savoury snacks has taken the increasingly adult ranges of bagged snacks to a whole new level. The five-strong range has a distinctly adult theme and has capitalised on the continued popularity of Italian foods, with authentic-tasting variants such as bruschettine, pepite and focaccine. It has also tapped into the health credentials of olive oil with the backing of one of the UK's most recognisable olive oil brands. Already worth £4m, the success of Savoury Nibbles has led to a number of range extensions for the brand, the most recent being the launch of Bertolli Baked Bites last month.
Breakfast Projects, Dorset Cereals
Launched: May 2008
Dorset Cereals can do no wrong in the eyes of many adults and its new Breakfast Projects range for kids is likely to raise the brand's profile among a younger population as well. The range comes in eye-catchingly bright packaging, while retaining the premium feel of the main Dorset Cereals brand, and has been designed to stand out from other kids' cereals by focusing on child education as well as health. The brand also has a wonderful retro feel to it that will no doubt win over parents. Each pack contains a quick-assemble toy made of card as well as an activity kit so kids can transform the box into more complex toys such as a Victorian theatre or a Viking ship. Genius.
Blossom Hill, Chile, Diageo
Launched: FebRUARY 2008
Chilean wines are hot with sales growing 23% year-on-year and the UK's third-biggest wine brand Blossom Hill is well placed to capitalise. Its Chilean Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon will prove a great entry point for consumers.
Boost Juice Bars, Nestlé
Launched: April 2008
Nestlé's long-awaited move into juices bridges the gap between smoothies and functional soft drinks with ingredients that help strengthen the natural defences, aid memory and concentration and have a positive effect on fat oxidation - a proposition that ensures they are not just another 'me too'.
Branston Beans with Omega-3, Premier Foods
Launched: June 2007
Branston's Omega-3 baked beans, or Branstein Beans, is riding high on the popularity of brain-boosting Omega-3. A half-tin provides 17% of the RDA of Omega-3 and is an easy way of getting children to eat more healthily for a premium of only 8p.
Budweiser Barbecue Sauces
Launched: February 2008
The first range of Budweiser-branded foods has been a hit in the US and is set to have a similar impact here as the barbecue season begins. The six premium sauces and marinades are packaged in bottles similar to the Budweiser beer bottle for great standout.
Calpol sympton-specific products, Pfizer
Launched: August 2007
Calpol accounts for more than 60% of the £70m children's pain and fever category and its range of sympton-specific products is set to add £3m to the category this year. Every base is covered, from cough and cold remedies to a vapour plug and nightlight.
Carman's Fruit-Free Muesli
Launched: September 2007
Australian cereal brand Carman's provides a quirky difference on the cereal shelves and conjures up images of sandy beaches and sunshine. Its fruit-free muesli is rare for the UK cereal market, where most products contain raisins.
Chip Shop Chunky Fish Fillet Nuggets, Young's
Launched: APRIL 2008
Young's Chip Shop range is the bestselling battered fish with sales of nearly £60m a year. Chunky Fish Fillet Nuggets are made from 100%-sustainable wild Alaskan pollock, contain Omega-3 and less than 5% saturated fat, and will benefit from a £5m campaign for the whole range this year.
Coat & Cook Sachets, Patak's
Launched: July 2007
Coat & Cook sachets provide the flavour of Patak's iconic curry pastes in easy-to-use one-shot sachets. The range comes in five variants - tandoori, tikka, spicy mango, lime & coriander and garlic & coriander - and the small packs make them ideal for small c-stores with limited space.
Creme Egg Twisted, Cadbury
Launched: May 2008
Twisted is the biggest chocolate innovation from Cadbury this year and sees its popular Easter product get a permanent place on the fixture, guaranteeing year-round sales. A £2m TV push has backed the product.
Diet Coke Plus, Coca-Cola
Launched: October 2007
Diet Coke Plus is a modern and slick addition to the Coca-Cola portfolio that gives a healthier twist to the already hugely popular low-calorie drink. The product comes in two variants - Antioxidants, which is a blend of Diet Coke with green tea and vitamin C, and Vitamins, which contains added vitamin C, B3 and B12 -and attempts to bridge the gap between carbonated soft drinks and healthier juice-based drinks while continuing to target the female consumer. Diet Coke Plus has already been successful in the US and Belgium and a strong marketing campaign and extensive distribution by its parent company has cemented its success over here, too.
Deli Mayo, Heinz
Launched: May 2008
Heinz's Deli Mayo range of flavoured mayonnaises, inspired by New York delis, comes in four modern flavours - caramelised onion, roasted garlic, Moroccan-style and sun-dried tomato - in striking deli-style glass jars with real foodie appeal.
Divine Chocolate Brownies
Launched: May 2008
Divine Chocolate Brownies are made from the Fairtrade confectionery company's 70% dark chocolate to an authentic US recipe and have a premium appeal rarely found in retail bakery. At £1.99 for a bag of six mini brownies, they are affordable luxury.
Doktor Power Cleaner, JML
Launched: May 2007
The Doktor Power Cleaner sponge's versatility and strong green credentials put it on the shortlist for Product of The Year 2007. The foam action sponge cleans anything from plastic to tiles, brass to stainless steel, contains no parabens or bleaches, is non-toxic and is made from recyclable and biodegradable material.
Dolmio Tastes of Italy, Mars UK
Launched: May 2007
Tastes of Italy has moved Dolmio into the premium sector of cooking sauces with area-specific flavours such as Sorrento-inspired cherry tomatoes, basil and Parmesan, and Tuscan sun-ripened tomatoes, parsley and Chianti. The flavour combinations compare favourably with rivals Loyd Grossman and Sacla'.
Dove Pro Age, Unilever
Launched: February 2007
Unilever struck a chord with 40-something women with its Pro Age health and beauty products. The age group is the fastest-growing demographic, accounting for more than half the UK's female population, so the range has a large target market.
Eat Natural Cereals
Launched: April 2008
Eat Natural's move away from its cereal bar stable has resulted in stylish cereals with ingredient combinations such as pecans & Cape gooseberries and pumpkin seeds & mango. The brand's loyal following makes it a strong alternative to Dorset Cereals.
Eat Positive, Birds Eye
Launched: March 2008
Eat Positive is the cornerstone of Birds Eye's push into nutritionally balanced frozen ready meals and is timed nicely with the resurgence in frozen foods. The company has ploughed £2m into the launch of the meals, which contain up to two of the 5-a-day as well as ingredients rich in antioxidants and Omega-3.
Enchanté Bordeaux Rosé, Constellation Europe
Launched: June 2008
Enchanté, the first French brand for US-based Constellation Europe, rides on the coat tails of rosé's success while being aimed at drinkers intimidated by the current French offer.
Farmers' Market Soups, Heinz
Launched: August 2007
Heinz's Farmers' Market Soups have outperformed all other soup launches in a number of retailers over the past year, prompting the company to add two new variants to the range. Lamb and root vegetable is the bestselling line but any of the other five varieties are must-stock items.
Gü Trifles
Launched: May 2008
The Gü brand has become the epitome of indulgence in the dessert category and has spawned a number of imitators who have copied its sleek black packaging and cheeky attitude - but nothing beats the real thing. The company's latest offering, trifle, continues the brand's push into all corners of the dessert aisle and gives a modern twist on a pudding that has experienced a renaissance in the past couple of years. The trifles come in two flavours - Black Forest and chocolate, both of which contain 53%-cocoa Belgian chocolate mousse - and have already secured listings across most of the multiples, despite only being launched last month. Gü puddings fly off the shelves in both large retailers and c-stores and these will be no exception.
Febreze Mist, P&G
Launched: August 2007
Mist room spray was an obvious extension for odour-eliminator brand Febreze. The patented odour-elimination technology has proven very popular in fabric care and its move into air care has been well received.
Filippo Berio Olive Oil Sprays
Launched: September 2007
Filippo Berio accounts for 20% of all olive oil consumed in the UK and its sprays offer a more convenient way of using the UK's bestselling olive oil brand. The sprays, Extra Virgin and Mild & Light, are claimed to be the first to contain 100%-pure olive oil, with no added water, alcohol, emulsifiers, antioxidants or aerosol propellant.
Jean-Christophe Novelli Range, Findus
Launched: january 2007
The Michelin-starred celebrity chef has put his name to an 11-strong range of premium products, once and for all debunking the myth that frozen foods equal cheap, low-quality fare. The range is predicted to reach £6m in value this year.
Five A Day, Daily Essentials
Launched: May 2008
Not only do these vitamins contain healthy minerals and ingredients such as Omega-3 for brain health, they also contain vegetable phytonutrients and fruit extracts that count towards the recommended 5-a-day. With UK consumption of fruit and veg well short of the target, this could be a winning formula.
Fridge Raiders, Southern Fried, Mattessons
Launched: April 2008
Low-fat male snack Fridge Raiders has single-handedly doubled growth in cooked meat snacks over the past year and latest flavour Southern Fried will continue to grow the £11m brand. The new flavour comes in a redesigned pack and is backed by a £4m campaign.
Frutasia, Mars UK
Launched: March 2007
Frutasia cereal bars in strawberry or apricot have a healthier proposition than most bars because they contain one portion of fruit. Tapping indulgence, convenience and better-for-you trends, it's a powerful combination.
Gatorade, Britvic
Launched: May 2008
Reformulated versions of Gatorade's orange and lemon flavours were launched in May as part of a £5m marketing push for the famous US sports drink. They contain no artificial colours or flavours and are pitched as a healthier alternative to standard energy brands.
Good Natured Juice
Launched: October 2007
Good Natured Juice is one of the trendiest juices around with a great packaging design and true ethical credentials. The two variants - tropical and orange - contain 100% Rainforest Alliance-certified Valencia oranges and come in one-litre cartons and 250ml bottles.
Great Grimsby Extra Large Haddock and Chips, Young's
Launched: October 2007
Great Grimsby celebrates the heritage of Britain's famous fishing town and has given the Young's brand a clear identity in the frozen and chilled fish categories. The chilled haddock and extra thick Maris Piper chips stand out as a hearty and convenient meal.
Green & Black's Biscuits, Burton's Foods
Launched: November 2007
Green & Black's fruit flapjacks, chocolate flapjacks and butter biscuits benefit from the halo effect of the organic brand and are cleverly packaged to look similar to the chocolate bars.
Harpic Hygienic, Reckitt Benckiser
Launched: April 2008
Unlike traditional hanging loo cleaners, Harpic Hygienic is a solid cleaning block that doesn't need refilling . It's an idea that has taken off. In the few months it has been on sale Harpic's share of the £41m 'in the bowl' category is up from 27% to 36%.
Hartley's Squeezy Jam, Premier Foods
Launched: January 2008
Honey and Marmite have been given the squeezy treatment in recent years and thanks to Hartley's Smooth Squeezy, so is jam. Contrary to popular belief, adults are the main jam consumers, so the new squeezy variant will boost jam's appeal to a younger audience.
Head Start, Head Start Drinks
Launched: April 2007
The market for drinks that can help with a hangover is huge, and Head Start's blackcurrant-flavoured drink claims to help cure hangovers via a combination of vitamins, amino acids, carbohydrates and electrolytes, which hydrate, detox the system and restore energy levels.
Hidden Veg Beanz, Heinz
Launched: October 2007
Only 20% of children get their recommended 5- a-day but Heinz's Hidden Veg range helps address this. The bestselling variant, Hidden Veg Beanz, looks like a can of baked beans but contains blended carrots, red peppers, parsnips and courgettes.
Higgidy Quiches
Launched: May 2008
Following on from its successful pie launch, Higgidy quiches have moved the upmarket, fun brand into a new area. As one of the only premium branded quiches in supermarkets, Higgidy holds all the cards in a category that was in need of some product inspiration.
Hovis Seed Sensations Rich & Roasted, Premier Foods
Launched: September 2007
Hovis's answer to the growing popularity of wholegrain breads, Seed Sensations was one of the biggest launches in wrapped breads last year and has clocked up sales of £11m. Rich & Roasted is a multi-seeded loaf with linseed, sunflower, pumpkin, millet and poppy seeds.
Hula Hoops Multigrain, UBUK
Launched: June 2007
Moving the multigrain message into snacks has been an inspired move for UBUK. Last year, Hula Hoops' sales grew 9% to £76m boosted by the Multigrain range, which sold £3.3m in its first seven months. Since then, UBUK has relaunched Multigrain with packs that highlight it as a source of fibre.
Innocent Thickies
Launched: April 2008
Innocent has waved its magic wand over the dairy category with three Thickies yoghurt drinks in 750ml that pitch the hip brand against more traditional dairy drink brands such as Yop and Frijj.
Jamie Oliver Pasta Sauces, Fresh Retail Ventures
Launched: March 2008
Jamie Oliver's star is showing no signs of waning and his ambitious 40-strong premium food range has a target of reaching £16m within two years. The range includes pesto sauces, herbs, olive oils, antipasti and bagged salads, all with strong Jamie Oliver branding, but if you've only got space for a few lines it's the pasta sauces that we think will have the most resonance among consumers. In keeping with Oliver's promotion of simple food, the recipes have simple explanations, such as spicy, hearty and fragrant & sweet.
Mars Planets
Launched: March 2007
Planets have racked up sales of more than £17m in the year since its debut in March and fuelled an 8.5% rise in confectionery sales last year for Mars UK, making it the most successful bite-size launch in the history of the company. The product contains chocolate-covered balls of caramel, nougat and crispy biscuit, tapping into the key trends of impulse and indulgence while capitalising on the strong brand equity of the Mars name. The company has so far spent around £5m promoting Planets, including a strong TV campaign, and it will also have benefited from its football-related advertising for the Mars brand this month. What more encouragement do you need to stock it?
Iso-Active toothpaste, Aquafresh, GSK
Launched: January 2008
Aquafresh's Iso-Active foaming gel toothpaste adds a new dimension to the category. Backed by a £5m spend, the toothpaste transforms into a foam which is claimed to remove 25% more bacteria than ordinary toothpastes. It comes packaged in 100ml shave-gel style canisters priced at £2.99.
Jelly Baby Lollies, Fredericks Dairies
Launched: may 2008
These 'wobbly' lollies have created a stir thanks to their innovative recipe being discussed on the Chris Evans radio show. Their connection with one of the UK's best-loved confectionery brands, combined with bright packaging, almost guarantees them success when the sun begins to shine.
Kit Kat Senses, Nestlé
Launched: March 2008
Senses is the most significant extension to Kit Kat in the past couple of years and its launch was backed by a £9m campaign and TV ads with Girls Aloud.
Licketysip, Sip
Launched: March 2008
Cosmeceutical drinks brand Sip launched what it claimed to be the first natural ice lolly with beauty benefits this year. The sorbet-style ice lollies contain skin-friendly ingredients such as rose petal extract and antioxidants, including selenium.
Liberation Nuts
Launched: December 2008
Liberation claims to be the UK's first major Fairtrade snacking brand. The smart black packaging and flavour combinations, such as lemon with a hint of chilli, as well as the brand's sense of humour are likely to give it a strong following.
Loyd Grossman Mixed Nuts, Sun Valley
Launched: July 2007
Loyd Grossman has put his name to a decidedly different nut product that is almost an English equivalent to Bombay mix. The three flavours - caramelised red onion, black olive and sundried tomato - blend cashew, pecan, almond and pistachio nuts with dried fruit, spices and infused oils.
Lucozade Alert, GSK
Launched: April 2008
Alert is Lucozade's attempt to tread on the toes of Red Bull and is the first drink from the brand to focus on mental stimulation. With the backing of the Lucozade brand, Alert is definitely one for your chillers.
Lurpak Organic, Arla
Launched: January 2008
Lurpak Organic Spreadable is the first mainstream dairy brand to enter the own label-dominated organic spreads market and is projected to reach sales of £5m within the first year. Lurpak's strong brand presence means it will hold its own against supermarkets' own brands as well as Yeo Valley and Rachel's Organic.
Magnum Minis, Unilever
Launched: February 2008
Magnum Minis address the problem of how to sell ice cream all year round by making it an everyday, bite-size treat. The multipacks of six mini ice creams are backed by a multimillion pound campaign - Unilever's biggest to date - fronted by Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria.
Method
Launched: March 2007
Trendy, eco-friendly Californian cleaning brand Method has brought a touch of class to the cleaning category with packaging that consumers are happy to have out on show in their kitchen or bathroom. The brand is not style over substance though - its products were recently named as top cleaners in The Observer magazine. Often described as the Ben & Jerry's of the cleaning category, thanks to its environmentally friendly yet fun approach to business, Method has the potential to achieve cult status.
Marmite Champagne, Unilever
Launched: January 2008
Launched as a limited edition for Valentine's Day, Marmite Champagne is still available and we think it should be permanent. It looks great on shelf and tastes fabulous.
Maynards half-sugar wine gums, Cadbury
Launched: May 2007
These wine gums contain 30% fewer calories than the Maynards standard lines with no discernible difference in taste. Packs carry a slight price premium but this won't bother parents looking to give their children teeth-friendly treats.
Mövenpick, R&R
Launched: March 2008
Mövenpick of Switzerland is a super-premium dairy ice cream found across Europe that made its full-scale debut in the UK earlier this year. Its premium flavours, such as Swiss chocolate, maple walnut, pana cotta and white peach & redcurrant, bring much-needed variation to the ice cream
category.
Old El Paso Stand 'n' Stuff Tacos, General Mills
Launched: February 2008
Stand 'n' Stuff Tacos are the first of their kind to have a flat base, doing away with the problem of filled tacos tumbling over. They are currently backed by a 30-second TV advert and will benefit from a £5.5m marketing investment for the brand this year.
Oreo Family Packs, Kraft
Launched: March 2008
Oreo is a $1bn biscuit brand that until earlier this year had limited presence in the UK. Now Kraft, which bought the rights to the Nabisco brand in Europe at the end of 2006, is putting its weight behind the brand with a £4.5m ad spend this year.
Oxo Concentrated Liquid Stock, Premier Foods
Launched: October 2007
Premier Foods has given one of the UK's most-recognised and loved brands a more convenient edge with a four-strong range of concentrated liquid stock. A TV ad campaign demonstrates the wider uses of the liquid variant compared with stock cubes.
Multi-grain Corn Flakes, Kellogg's
Launched: june 2007
With the spotlight on the healthiness of cereals, Kellogg's Multi-grain Corn Flakes emphasises the role cereals can play in a healthy diet. The product is a good alternative for people looking for a healthy cereal who don't like muesli.
Packed Munch, Bernard Matthews
Launched: April 2008
Bernard Matthews' novel approach of adding Omega-3 and calcium to its sliced turkey products will score well with parents looking to give their kids a healthy packed lunch. Their £1 price tag makes them appealing to parents on a budget.
Pampero Rum, Diageo
Launched: May 2008
Golden rum is the year's must-stock spirit and they don't come much cooler than Diageo's Venezuelan rum brand Pampero. This highly rated, award-winning rum will soon make an impact over here. The brand is currently on trial in the UK.
Pudliszki, Heinz
Launched: June 2007
There are about 750,000 Poles living in the UK and sales of Polish food and drink are soaring as a result. Heinz's Pudliszki brand is one of the most comprehensive Polish offerings in the UK, with a range of authentic ready meals, condiments and prepared vegetables, such as Bigos, pork and beef goulash and stuffed cabbage in tomato sauce, and is one of the most sought-after brands by the Polish community in the UK. Pudliszki is already an iconic brand in Poland - its market-leading ready-meal portfolio has sales nearly five times greater than its nearest competitor - which has put it in good stead over here. If your store is near a Polish community - and let's face it, the chances are it will be - then this is definitely a must-stock brand.
Patak's Superior
Launched: June 2008
With the credit crunch impacting on people's ability to dine out, Patak's Superior premium cooking sauces offer consumers an authentic but cheaper alternative to restaurant food. Eight sauces and accompaniments make up the range.
Persil Small & Mighty, Unilever
Launched: May 2007
Not only is Persil Small & Mighty good for the environment in that it is lighter and smaller to transport, it also solves a problem for shops that don't have space for bulky products. Its launch led to a 25% increase in sales and the brand is already worth £25m.
Plum Toddler Range
Launched: June 2008
Adults are not the only ones to benefit from superfoods - toddlers are as well. Plum's toddler range contains summer ingredients such as pumpkin and fennel, known for their healthy credentials, in dishes which include a pumpkin, carrot & mango pot and a coconut & mango rice pudding.
Pollock Fish Fingers, Birds Eye
Launched: March 2008
Birds Eye's pollock fish fingers deliver a double whammy - pollock is more sustainable than cod and it also contains higher levels of brain-boosting Omega-3. A £7.5m spend on the brand this year will keep them at the forefront of consumers' minds.
Potato Gourmet, McCain
Launched: January 2007
McCain's Potato Gourmet brought a touch of class to the frozen potato category when they were launched at the start of last year, demonstrating there is more to the humble potato than oven chips. It is already a £5m brand, shifting more than four million packs since launch.
Pringles Rice Infusions, P&G
Launched: July 2007
Rice Infusions marked a new wave of innovation in the crisps and snacks category being made from rice rather than potato. They come in four of the most popular Pringles flavours and contain 30% less fat than the standard product. Worth £14.5m, they have so far been a big success for P&G.
Puro Smoothies
Launched: January 2007
Puro uses high pressure rather than pasteurisation to maintain the shelf life of its products, which means that flavour, colour and vitamin content are not affected in the same way as they are when the fruit is heated up. The result is a smoothie that tastes like no other on the market.
Quattro Titanium Precision, Wilkinson Sword
Launched: February 2008
The ultra-competitive razor market is a breeding ground for innovation, and Wilkinson Sword's Precision has taken NPD to the next level. Precision is a four-blade razor with a lubricating strip when held one way and a beard trimmer when held the other.
Ready Brek Honey, Weetabix
Launched: June 2008
Healthy cereal brand Ready Brek is worth £12.8m and the new honey variant is a logical addition to its portfolio. The product contains 100% wholegrain oats as well as being free from artificial flavours, colours and preservatives, but tastes indulgent.
Russian Standard Vodka, First Drinks Brands
Launched: June 2007
Vodka is one of the fastest-growing spirits categories in the UK and a new wave of vodka brands have made the journey over here in recent years. However, few products stand out from the pack like 10-year-old Russian Standard vodka. The brand was launched here last June after success in 40 markets across the world and has netted a 1.2% share of the UK vodka market, which will have given brand leader Smirnoff something to think about. It has so far been backed by a £5m marketing spend, including a £1m TV, press and poster advertising campaign targeting 18 to 34-year-old consumers.
Reggae Reggae Sauce, Levi Roots
Launched: March 2007
Reggae Reggae Sauce has been a massive hit since its owner, Levi Roots, appeared on Dragons' Den seeking funding. The brand has hit sales of almost £2m. At barbecues this summer it will still be a product that people will reach for.
Relentless Inferno, Coca-Cola Enterprises
Launched: August 2007
Relentless is developing a strong following, with a value exceeding £10m, thanks to its larger can size and a more youthful brand positioning than market leader Red Bull. Its Inferno variant adds a fruit taste, further differentiating it from other energy drinks.
Ribena 100% Pure Juices, GSK
Launched: April 2008
Pure Juices is owner GSK's first move into pure juice and is the biggest NPD in Ribena's 70-year history. It intends for the brand to hit £50m within five years and is funding a £1.4m sampling campaign. If the drink reaches even half its target it will be hit.
Ribena Smooth Lollies, R&R
Launched: January 2008
R&R's Ribena Smoothie lollies capitalise on the brand's new healthy profile and will benefit from its move into juices. Packaging for the kid-friendly treats flag up that the product contains only 70 calories per stick, is virtually fat free, contains vitamin C and is made from a superfruit.
Schwartz Recipe Mix Pouches
Launched: March 2008
These dry mix pouches scored highly in our Acid Test section thanks to their strong packaging and entry-level price point. The products enable consumers to make drier spicy dishes, such as jerk chicken, chicken biryani and spicy meatballs, instead of more common wet recipes.
Seabrook Crisps, Hot English Mustard Flavour
Launched: June 2007
Sales of Bradford-based Seabrook Crisps outperform national brand Walkers in some Yorkshire-based Asda stores and a TV advertising campaign for the brand has boosted its profile across the country.
Sqqquishy Smoothie, RDA
Launched: April 2008
Sqqquishy Smoothie was launched to fill the gap in the market for organic drinks aimed at the toddlers-to-teens age group, says the company. The drink is made from 100% organic fruit and contains no additives. It comes in a spill-proof squeezable pouch.
Sure Upside Down Roll-on, Unilever
Launched: December 2007
Sometimes it's the simplest ideas that are the most effective. Take Sure's Upside Down roll-on deodorant, which applies the same logic used in top-down ketchup bottles. The format uses a patented design claimed to produce the smoothest application to date.
This Water, Innocent
Launched: May 2007
This Water had a slow start in its previous life as Juicy Water, but since its relaunch it has grown exponentially. It is expected to hit £20m this year and become an £80m brand within three years. Innocent is spending £1m on This Water this year.
Veetee Dine In Rice
Launched: May 2007
Indian cuisine remains as popular as ever but the credit crunch is making consumers less willing to fork out for a restaurant meal. So step up Veetee's Dine in Rice. The company has invested more than £20m in a new factory to produce a microwaveable product that it claims is a foolproof route to restaurant-quality rice that won't break the bank. The rice comes in four variants - basmati, pilau, long-grain and Thai jasmine - and has already won a number of awards for innovation, including the Food from Britain New Product Showcase award at Anuga last year. With the market for convenience rice booming, Dine in Rice should become a mainstay of the ethnic foods fixture.
Signatore, Goodfella's, Northern Foods
Launched: September 2007
Signatore is the Goodfella's brand's first move into the chilled pizza category and is proving a strong competitor in the own-label dominated category. The company predicts Signatore will be a £20m brand within three years.
Tiptree Hot Mango Sauce, Wilkin & Sons
Launched: March 2007
Mango chutneys are traditionally the preserve of Indian brands, but manufacturer Wilkin & Sons, owner of the Tiptree brand, has proven that sauces from Essex are just as good. Its Hot Mango Sauce comes in a glass bottle with an affordable £1.75 price tag .
Trident, Cadbury
Launched: January 2007
Trident has created a storm since it hit shelves at the start of last year. The brand continues to lead the way in NPD, recently grabbing newspaper headlines for the launch of the first chocolate-flavoured chewing gum. Sales of Trident have topped £33m.
Tropicana Smoothies, PepsiCo
Launched: March 2008
Tropicana Smoothies build on the brand's position as the UK's bestselling juice and have introduced loyal Tropicana consumers to the smoothie category. The launch in March has made smoothies mainstream, and presented a challenge to Innocent.
Tuborg, Carlsberg UK
Launched: April 2007
The UK launch of Danish beer brand Tuborg last year was greeted with joy by beer fans. The brand has already been successful in Russia and Eastern Europe and Carlsberg UK has already dedicated £5m to promote the lager over here. The beer's exclusive image has given it wide appeal.
Vaseline for Men, Unilever
Launched: March 2008
Vaseline For Men was launched with a two-month advertising campaign featuring sports stars Lawrence Dallaglio, James Cracknell and Mark Foster. The range of body and hand lotions and face and bodywash products is predicted to clock up sales of £6.2m in its first year.
Walkers SunBites, PepsiCo
Launched: September 2008
Each bag of Walkers SunBites contains more than a third of the suggested daily intake of wholegrain. The brand has already benefited from a £5m marketing campaign, including a £3m TV ad, and is at the forefront of the growing popularity of better-for-you snacks.
Wispa, Cadbury
Launched: October 2007
Online campaigners persuaded Cadbury to bring back its Wispa bar last year and the company easily managed to shift the 23 million bars it produced as a limited edition. The rumours are that Wispa will return as a permanent line by the end of the year.
Yorkshire Provender soups
Launched: December 2007
The Yorkshire Provender Company's organic soups are hand-made using regional ingredients and each product's packaging displays information on the grower behind the recipe. The products fit neatly into the current climate for more seasonal, local products and interest in provenance.
Launched: March 2008
Amoy's straight-to-wok stir-fry and rice meals tap the popularity of Chinese food and the convenience of frozen. Six varieties, including sweet & sour chicken noodles and aromatic prawn & garlic rice, can be cooked in less than 10 minutes. A £500,000 campaign has backed the brand to date.
Andrex Longer Lasting, Kimberly-Clark
Launched: July 2007
Longer Lasting has 50% more tissue than regular Andrex and uses less pulp and fibre. It is also the first toilet paper brand to claim a reduced-carbon footprint. Already worth £10m, it is being launched in different colours.
Aquafresh 3-way Buzz toothbrush, GSK
Launched: FebRUARY 2007
An affordable alternative to more expensive rechargeable brushes that keeps many of the attributes that have made Aquafresh's manual brushes so popular, such as the patented flex technology neck.
Baby Balance, Cow & Gate
Launched: July 2007
Cow & Gate's premium range of breakfast cereals has got the early years of child development covered. The products are aimed at four different stages of development, and include smooth cereals for babies and multigrain porridge and crunchy cereals for toddlers. A £20m campaign, including TV ads, is supporting the Cow & Gate brand this year, so it will get noticed.
Baked Beanz Snap Pots, Heinz
Launched: October 2007
Baked beans are already the ultimate in convenience food but Heinz's Snap Pots makes them even easier to prepare. The 200g portions cook in a microwave for one minute and have already wowed buyers. Set to be one of the biggest new products this year.
Baked and Seasoned Nuts, KP
Launched: January 2008
A healthier option, being baked rather than fried, with no artificial colours or flavours. The oversized peanuts come in Thai sweet chilli, sea salt & black pepper, and lime & coriander.
Beetroot Pouches, Baxters
Launched: May 2008
Beetroot is the new superfood and Baxters' new beetroot pouches combine health with convenience and modern flavours. The company says the pouches lock in flavour combinations such as beetroot with chilli, lime & white balsamic vinaigrette; honey, cardamom & white wine vinaigrette; and garlic, rosemary & red wine vinaigrette.
Ben & Jerry's Fairtrade Chunky Monkey
Launched: January 2008
A Fairtrade variant of what is already one of Ben & Jerry's most popular ice cream flavours, the mixture of cream, chocolatey bananas and chunky walnuts can't fail to be a hit with the summer now officially here.
Benecol Yoghurt, McNeil Nutritionals
Launched: November 2007
Benecol's low-fat bio live plain yoghurt is the first natural yoghurt on the market that lowers cholesterol. It can be eaten as a snack, used in a smoothie or to accompany a main meal.
Bertolli Savoury Nibbles, Burton's Foods
Launched: March 2007
The Bertolli range of Italian-inspired savoury snacks has taken the increasingly adult ranges of bagged snacks to a whole new level. The five-strong range has a distinctly adult theme and has capitalised on the continued popularity of Italian foods, with authentic-tasting variants such as bruschettine, pepite and focaccine. It has also tapped into the health credentials of olive oil with the backing of one of the UK's most recognisable olive oil brands. Already worth £4m, the success of Savoury Nibbles has led to a number of range extensions for the brand, the most recent being the launch of Bertolli Baked Bites last month.
Breakfast Projects, Dorset Cereals
Launched: May 2008
Dorset Cereals can do no wrong in the eyes of many adults and its new Breakfast Projects range for kids is likely to raise the brand's profile among a younger population as well. The range comes in eye-catchingly bright packaging, while retaining the premium feel of the main Dorset Cereals brand, and has been designed to stand out from other kids' cereals by focusing on child education as well as health. The brand also has a wonderful retro feel to it that will no doubt win over parents. Each pack contains a quick-assemble toy made of card as well as an activity kit so kids can transform the box into more complex toys such as a Victorian theatre or a Viking ship. Genius.
Blossom Hill, Chile, Diageo
Launched: FebRUARY 2008
Chilean wines are hot with sales growing 23% year-on-year and the UK's third-biggest wine brand Blossom Hill is well placed to capitalise. Its Chilean Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon will prove a great entry point for consumers.
Boost Juice Bars, Nestlé
Launched: April 2008
Nestlé's long-awaited move into juices bridges the gap between smoothies and functional soft drinks with ingredients that help strengthen the natural defences, aid memory and concentration and have a positive effect on fat oxidation - a proposition that ensures they are not just another 'me too'.
Branston Beans with Omega-3, Premier Foods
Launched: June 2007
Branston's Omega-3 baked beans, or Branstein Beans, is riding high on the popularity of brain-boosting Omega-3. A half-tin provides 17% of the RDA of Omega-3 and is an easy way of getting children to eat more healthily for a premium of only 8p.
Budweiser Barbecue Sauces
Launched: February 2008
The first range of Budweiser-branded foods has been a hit in the US and is set to have a similar impact here as the barbecue season begins. The six premium sauces and marinades are packaged in bottles similar to the Budweiser beer bottle for great standout.
Calpol sympton-specific products, Pfizer
Launched: August 2007
Calpol accounts for more than 60% of the £70m children's pain and fever category and its range of sympton-specific products is set to add £3m to the category this year. Every base is covered, from cough and cold remedies to a vapour plug and nightlight.
Carman's Fruit-Free Muesli
Launched: September 2007
Australian cereal brand Carman's provides a quirky difference on the cereal shelves and conjures up images of sandy beaches and sunshine. Its fruit-free muesli is rare for the UK cereal market, where most products contain raisins.
Chip Shop Chunky Fish Fillet Nuggets, Young's
Launched: APRIL 2008
Young's Chip Shop range is the bestselling battered fish with sales of nearly £60m a year. Chunky Fish Fillet Nuggets are made from 100%-sustainable wild Alaskan pollock, contain Omega-3 and less than 5% saturated fat, and will benefit from a £5m campaign for the whole range this year.
Coat & Cook Sachets, Patak's
Launched: July 2007
Coat & Cook sachets provide the flavour of Patak's iconic curry pastes in easy-to-use one-shot sachets. The range comes in five variants - tandoori, tikka, spicy mango, lime & coriander and garlic & coriander - and the small packs make them ideal for small c-stores with limited space.
Creme Egg Twisted, Cadbury
Launched: May 2008
Twisted is the biggest chocolate innovation from Cadbury this year and sees its popular Easter product get a permanent place on the fixture, guaranteeing year-round sales. A £2m TV push has backed the product.
Diet Coke Plus, Coca-Cola
Launched: October 2007
Diet Coke Plus is a modern and slick addition to the Coca-Cola portfolio that gives a healthier twist to the already hugely popular low-calorie drink. The product comes in two variants - Antioxidants, which is a blend of Diet Coke with green tea and vitamin C, and Vitamins, which contains added vitamin C, B3 and B12 -and attempts to bridge the gap between carbonated soft drinks and healthier juice-based drinks while continuing to target the female consumer. Diet Coke Plus has already been successful in the US and Belgium and a strong marketing campaign and extensive distribution by its parent company has cemented its success over here, too.
Deli Mayo, Heinz
Launched: May 2008
Heinz's Deli Mayo range of flavoured mayonnaises, inspired by New York delis, comes in four modern flavours - caramelised onion, roasted garlic, Moroccan-style and sun-dried tomato - in striking deli-style glass jars with real foodie appeal.
Divine Chocolate Brownies
Launched: May 2008
Divine Chocolate Brownies are made from the Fairtrade confectionery company's 70% dark chocolate to an authentic US recipe and have a premium appeal rarely found in retail bakery. At £1.99 for a bag of six mini brownies, they are affordable luxury.
Doktor Power Cleaner, JML
Launched: May 2007
The Doktor Power Cleaner sponge's versatility and strong green credentials put it on the shortlist for Product of The Year 2007. The foam action sponge cleans anything from plastic to tiles, brass to stainless steel, contains no parabens or bleaches, is non-toxic and is made from recyclable and biodegradable material.
Dolmio Tastes of Italy, Mars UK
Launched: May 2007
Tastes of Italy has moved Dolmio into the premium sector of cooking sauces with area-specific flavours such as Sorrento-inspired cherry tomatoes, basil and Parmesan, and Tuscan sun-ripened tomatoes, parsley and Chianti. The flavour combinations compare favourably with rivals Loyd Grossman and Sacla'.
Dove Pro Age, Unilever
Launched: February 2007
Unilever struck a chord with 40-something women with its Pro Age health and beauty products. The age group is the fastest-growing demographic, accounting for more than half the UK's female population, so the range has a large target market.
Eat Natural Cereals
Launched: April 2008
Eat Natural's move away from its cereal bar stable has resulted in stylish cereals with ingredient combinations such as pecans & Cape gooseberries and pumpkin seeds & mango. The brand's loyal following makes it a strong alternative to Dorset Cereals.
Eat Positive, Birds Eye
Launched: March 2008
Eat Positive is the cornerstone of Birds Eye's push into nutritionally balanced frozen ready meals and is timed nicely with the resurgence in frozen foods. The company has ploughed £2m into the launch of the meals, which contain up to two of the 5-a-day as well as ingredients rich in antioxidants and Omega-3.
Enchanté Bordeaux Rosé, Constellation Europe
Launched: June 2008
Enchanté, the first French brand for US-based Constellation Europe, rides on the coat tails of rosé's success while being aimed at drinkers intimidated by the current French offer.
Farmers' Market Soups, Heinz
Launched: August 2007
Heinz's Farmers' Market Soups have outperformed all other soup launches in a number of retailers over the past year, prompting the company to add two new variants to the range. Lamb and root vegetable is the bestselling line but any of the other five varieties are must-stock items.
Gü Trifles
Launched: May 2008
The Gü brand has become the epitome of indulgence in the dessert category and has spawned a number of imitators who have copied its sleek black packaging and cheeky attitude - but nothing beats the real thing. The company's latest offering, trifle, continues the brand's push into all corners of the dessert aisle and gives a modern twist on a pudding that has experienced a renaissance in the past couple of years. The trifles come in two flavours - Black Forest and chocolate, both of which contain 53%-cocoa Belgian chocolate mousse - and have already secured listings across most of the multiples, despite only being launched last month. Gü puddings fly off the shelves in both large retailers and c-stores and these will be no exception.
Febreze Mist, P&G
Launched: August 2007
Mist room spray was an obvious extension for odour-eliminator brand Febreze. The patented odour-elimination technology has proven very popular in fabric care and its move into air care has been well received.
Filippo Berio Olive Oil Sprays
Launched: September 2007
Filippo Berio accounts for 20% of all olive oil consumed in the UK and its sprays offer a more convenient way of using the UK's bestselling olive oil brand. The sprays, Extra Virgin and Mild & Light, are claimed to be the first to contain 100%-pure olive oil, with no added water, alcohol, emulsifiers, antioxidants or aerosol propellant.
Jean-Christophe Novelli Range, Findus
Launched: january 2007
The Michelin-starred celebrity chef has put his name to an 11-strong range of premium products, once and for all debunking the myth that frozen foods equal cheap, low-quality fare. The range is predicted to reach £6m in value this year.
Five A Day, Daily Essentials
Launched: May 2008
Not only do these vitamins contain healthy minerals and ingredients such as Omega-3 for brain health, they also contain vegetable phytonutrients and fruit extracts that count towards the recommended 5-a-day. With UK consumption of fruit and veg well short of the target, this could be a winning formula.
Fridge Raiders, Southern Fried, Mattessons
Launched: April 2008
Low-fat male snack Fridge Raiders has single-handedly doubled growth in cooked meat snacks over the past year and latest flavour Southern Fried will continue to grow the £11m brand. The new flavour comes in a redesigned pack and is backed by a £4m campaign.
Frutasia, Mars UK
Launched: March 2007
Frutasia cereal bars in strawberry or apricot have a healthier proposition than most bars because they contain one portion of fruit. Tapping indulgence, convenience and better-for-you trends, it's a powerful combination.
Gatorade, Britvic
Launched: May 2008
Reformulated versions of Gatorade's orange and lemon flavours were launched in May as part of a £5m marketing push for the famous US sports drink. They contain no artificial colours or flavours and are pitched as a healthier alternative to standard energy brands.
Good Natured Juice
Launched: October 2007
Good Natured Juice is one of the trendiest juices around with a great packaging design and true ethical credentials. The two variants - tropical and orange - contain 100% Rainforest Alliance-certified Valencia oranges and come in one-litre cartons and 250ml bottles.
Great Grimsby Extra Large Haddock and Chips, Young's
Launched: October 2007
Great Grimsby celebrates the heritage of Britain's famous fishing town and has given the Young's brand a clear identity in the frozen and chilled fish categories. The chilled haddock and extra thick Maris Piper chips stand out as a hearty and convenient meal.
Green & Black's Biscuits, Burton's Foods
Launched: November 2007
Green & Black's fruit flapjacks, chocolate flapjacks and butter biscuits benefit from the halo effect of the organic brand and are cleverly packaged to look similar to the chocolate bars.
Harpic Hygienic, Reckitt Benckiser
Launched: April 2008
Unlike traditional hanging loo cleaners, Harpic Hygienic is a solid cleaning block that doesn't need refilling . It's an idea that has taken off. In the few months it has been on sale Harpic's share of the £41m 'in the bowl' category is up from 27% to 36%.
Hartley's Squeezy Jam, Premier Foods
Launched: January 2008
Honey and Marmite have been given the squeezy treatment in recent years and thanks to Hartley's Smooth Squeezy, so is jam. Contrary to popular belief, adults are the main jam consumers, so the new squeezy variant will boost jam's appeal to a younger audience.
Head Start, Head Start Drinks
Launched: April 2007
The market for drinks that can help with a hangover is huge, and Head Start's blackcurrant-flavoured drink claims to help cure hangovers via a combination of vitamins, amino acids, carbohydrates and electrolytes, which hydrate, detox the system and restore energy levels.
Hidden Veg Beanz, Heinz
Launched: October 2007
Only 20% of children get their recommended 5- a-day but Heinz's Hidden Veg range helps address this. The bestselling variant, Hidden Veg Beanz, looks like a can of baked beans but contains blended carrots, red peppers, parsnips and courgettes.
Higgidy Quiches
Launched: May 2008
Following on from its successful pie launch, Higgidy quiches have moved the upmarket, fun brand into a new area. As one of the only premium branded quiches in supermarkets, Higgidy holds all the cards in a category that was in need of some product inspiration.
Hovis Seed Sensations Rich & Roasted, Premier Foods
Launched: September 2007
Hovis's answer to the growing popularity of wholegrain breads, Seed Sensations was one of the biggest launches in wrapped breads last year and has clocked up sales of £11m. Rich & Roasted is a multi-seeded loaf with linseed, sunflower, pumpkin, millet and poppy seeds.
Hula Hoops Multigrain, UBUK
Launched: June 2007
Moving the multigrain message into snacks has been an inspired move for UBUK. Last year, Hula Hoops' sales grew 9% to £76m boosted by the Multigrain range, which sold £3.3m in its first seven months. Since then, UBUK has relaunched Multigrain with packs that highlight it as a source of fibre.
Innocent Thickies
Launched: April 2008
Innocent has waved its magic wand over the dairy category with three Thickies yoghurt drinks in 750ml that pitch the hip brand against more traditional dairy drink brands such as Yop and Frijj.
Jamie Oliver Pasta Sauces, Fresh Retail Ventures
Launched: March 2008
Jamie Oliver's star is showing no signs of waning and his ambitious 40-strong premium food range has a target of reaching £16m within two years. The range includes pesto sauces, herbs, olive oils, antipasti and bagged salads, all with strong Jamie Oliver branding, but if you've only got space for a few lines it's the pasta sauces that we think will have the most resonance among consumers. In keeping with Oliver's promotion of simple food, the recipes have simple explanations, such as spicy, hearty and fragrant & sweet.
Mars Planets
Launched: March 2007
Planets have racked up sales of more than £17m in the year since its debut in March and fuelled an 8.5% rise in confectionery sales last year for Mars UK, making it the most successful bite-size launch in the history of the company. The product contains chocolate-covered balls of caramel, nougat and crispy biscuit, tapping into the key trends of impulse and indulgence while capitalising on the strong brand equity of the Mars name. The company has so far spent around £5m promoting Planets, including a strong TV campaign, and it will also have benefited from its football-related advertising for the Mars brand this month. What more encouragement do you need to stock it?
Iso-Active toothpaste, Aquafresh, GSK
Launched: January 2008
Aquafresh's Iso-Active foaming gel toothpaste adds a new dimension to the category. Backed by a £5m spend, the toothpaste transforms into a foam which is claimed to remove 25% more bacteria than ordinary toothpastes. It comes packaged in 100ml shave-gel style canisters priced at £2.99.
Jelly Baby Lollies, Fredericks Dairies
Launched: may 2008
These 'wobbly' lollies have created a stir thanks to their innovative recipe being discussed on the Chris Evans radio show. Their connection with one of the UK's best-loved confectionery brands, combined with bright packaging, almost guarantees them success when the sun begins to shine.
Kit Kat Senses, Nestlé
Launched: March 2008
Senses is the most significant extension to Kit Kat in the past couple of years and its launch was backed by a £9m campaign and TV ads with Girls Aloud.
Licketysip, Sip
Launched: March 2008
Cosmeceutical drinks brand Sip launched what it claimed to be the first natural ice lolly with beauty benefits this year. The sorbet-style ice lollies contain skin-friendly ingredients such as rose petal extract and antioxidants, including selenium.
Liberation Nuts
Launched: December 2008
Liberation claims to be the UK's first major Fairtrade snacking brand. The smart black packaging and flavour combinations, such as lemon with a hint of chilli, as well as the brand's sense of humour are likely to give it a strong following.
Loyd Grossman Mixed Nuts, Sun Valley
Launched: July 2007
Loyd Grossman has put his name to a decidedly different nut product that is almost an English equivalent to Bombay mix. The three flavours - caramelised red onion, black olive and sundried tomato - blend cashew, pecan, almond and pistachio nuts with dried fruit, spices and infused oils.
Lucozade Alert, GSK
Launched: April 2008
Alert is Lucozade's attempt to tread on the toes of Red Bull and is the first drink from the brand to focus on mental stimulation. With the backing of the Lucozade brand, Alert is definitely one for your chillers.
Lurpak Organic, Arla
Launched: January 2008
Lurpak Organic Spreadable is the first mainstream dairy brand to enter the own label-dominated organic spreads market and is projected to reach sales of £5m within the first year. Lurpak's strong brand presence means it will hold its own against supermarkets' own brands as well as Yeo Valley and Rachel's Organic.
Magnum Minis, Unilever
Launched: February 2008
Magnum Minis address the problem of how to sell ice cream all year round by making it an everyday, bite-size treat. The multipacks of six mini ice creams are backed by a multimillion pound campaign - Unilever's biggest to date - fronted by Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria.
Method
Launched: March 2007
Trendy, eco-friendly Californian cleaning brand Method has brought a touch of class to the cleaning category with packaging that consumers are happy to have out on show in their kitchen or bathroom. The brand is not style over substance though - its products were recently named as top cleaners in The Observer magazine. Often described as the Ben & Jerry's of the cleaning category, thanks to its environmentally friendly yet fun approach to business, Method has the potential to achieve cult status.
Marmite Champagne, Unilever
Launched: January 2008
Launched as a limited edition for Valentine's Day, Marmite Champagne is still available and we think it should be permanent. It looks great on shelf and tastes fabulous.
Maynards half-sugar wine gums, Cadbury
Launched: May 2007
These wine gums contain 30% fewer calories than the Maynards standard lines with no discernible difference in taste. Packs carry a slight price premium but this won't bother parents looking to give their children teeth-friendly treats.
Mövenpick, R&R
Launched: March 2008
Mövenpick of Switzerland is a super-premium dairy ice cream found across Europe that made its full-scale debut in the UK earlier this year. Its premium flavours, such as Swiss chocolate, maple walnut, pana cotta and white peach & redcurrant, bring much-needed variation to the ice cream
category.
Old El Paso Stand 'n' Stuff Tacos, General Mills
Launched: February 2008
Stand 'n' Stuff Tacos are the first of their kind to have a flat base, doing away with the problem of filled tacos tumbling over. They are currently backed by a 30-second TV advert and will benefit from a £5.5m marketing investment for the brand this year.
Oreo Family Packs, Kraft
Launched: March 2008
Oreo is a $1bn biscuit brand that until earlier this year had limited presence in the UK. Now Kraft, which bought the rights to the Nabisco brand in Europe at the end of 2006, is putting its weight behind the brand with a £4.5m ad spend this year.
Oxo Concentrated Liquid Stock, Premier Foods
Launched: October 2007
Premier Foods has given one of the UK's most-recognised and loved brands a more convenient edge with a four-strong range of concentrated liquid stock. A TV ad campaign demonstrates the wider uses of the liquid variant compared with stock cubes.
Multi-grain Corn Flakes, Kellogg's
Launched: june 2007
With the spotlight on the healthiness of cereals, Kellogg's Multi-grain Corn Flakes emphasises the role cereals can play in a healthy diet. The product is a good alternative for people looking for a healthy cereal who don't like muesli.
Packed Munch, Bernard Matthews
Launched: April 2008
Bernard Matthews' novel approach of adding Omega-3 and calcium to its sliced turkey products will score well with parents looking to give their kids a healthy packed lunch. Their £1 price tag makes them appealing to parents on a budget.
Pampero Rum, Diageo
Launched: May 2008
Golden rum is the year's must-stock spirit and they don't come much cooler than Diageo's Venezuelan rum brand Pampero. This highly rated, award-winning rum will soon make an impact over here. The brand is currently on trial in the UK.
Pudliszki, Heinz
Launched: June 2007
There are about 750,000 Poles living in the UK and sales of Polish food and drink are soaring as a result. Heinz's Pudliszki brand is one of the most comprehensive Polish offerings in the UK, with a range of authentic ready meals, condiments and prepared vegetables, such as Bigos, pork and beef goulash and stuffed cabbage in tomato sauce, and is one of the most sought-after brands by the Polish community in the UK. Pudliszki is already an iconic brand in Poland - its market-leading ready-meal portfolio has sales nearly five times greater than its nearest competitor - which has put it in good stead over here. If your store is near a Polish community - and let's face it, the chances are it will be - then this is definitely a must-stock brand.
Patak's Superior
Launched: June 2008
With the credit crunch impacting on people's ability to dine out, Patak's Superior premium cooking sauces offer consumers an authentic but cheaper alternative to restaurant food. Eight sauces and accompaniments make up the range.
Persil Small & Mighty, Unilever
Launched: May 2007
Not only is Persil Small & Mighty good for the environment in that it is lighter and smaller to transport, it also solves a problem for shops that don't have space for bulky products. Its launch led to a 25% increase in sales and the brand is already worth £25m.
Plum Toddler Range
Launched: June 2008
Adults are not the only ones to benefit from superfoods - toddlers are as well. Plum's toddler range contains summer ingredients such as pumpkin and fennel, known for their healthy credentials, in dishes which include a pumpkin, carrot & mango pot and a coconut & mango rice pudding.
Pollock Fish Fingers, Birds Eye
Launched: March 2008
Birds Eye's pollock fish fingers deliver a double whammy - pollock is more sustainable than cod and it also contains higher levels of brain-boosting Omega-3. A £7.5m spend on the brand this year will keep them at the forefront of consumers' minds.
Potato Gourmet, McCain
Launched: January 2007
McCain's Potato Gourmet brought a touch of class to the frozen potato category when they were launched at the start of last year, demonstrating there is more to the humble potato than oven chips. It is already a £5m brand, shifting more than four million packs since launch.
Pringles Rice Infusions, P&G
Launched: July 2007
Rice Infusions marked a new wave of innovation in the crisps and snacks category being made from rice rather than potato. They come in four of the most popular Pringles flavours and contain 30% less fat than the standard product. Worth £14.5m, they have so far been a big success for P&G.
Puro Smoothies
Launched: January 2007
Puro uses high pressure rather than pasteurisation to maintain the shelf life of its products, which means that flavour, colour and vitamin content are not affected in the same way as they are when the fruit is heated up. The result is a smoothie that tastes like no other on the market.
Quattro Titanium Precision, Wilkinson Sword
Launched: February 2008
The ultra-competitive razor market is a breeding ground for innovation, and Wilkinson Sword's Precision has taken NPD to the next level. Precision is a four-blade razor with a lubricating strip when held one way and a beard trimmer when held the other.
Ready Brek Honey, Weetabix
Launched: June 2008
Healthy cereal brand Ready Brek is worth £12.8m and the new honey variant is a logical addition to its portfolio. The product contains 100% wholegrain oats as well as being free from artificial flavours, colours and preservatives, but tastes indulgent.
Russian Standard Vodka, First Drinks Brands
Launched: June 2007
Vodka is one of the fastest-growing spirits categories in the UK and a new wave of vodka brands have made the journey over here in recent years. However, few products stand out from the pack like 10-year-old Russian Standard vodka. The brand was launched here last June after success in 40 markets across the world and has netted a 1.2% share of the UK vodka market, which will have given brand leader Smirnoff something to think about. It has so far been backed by a £5m marketing spend, including a £1m TV, press and poster advertising campaign targeting 18 to 34-year-old consumers.
Reggae Reggae Sauce, Levi Roots
Launched: March 2007
Reggae Reggae Sauce has been a massive hit since its owner, Levi Roots, appeared on Dragons' Den seeking funding. The brand has hit sales of almost £2m. At barbecues this summer it will still be a product that people will reach for.
Relentless Inferno, Coca-Cola Enterprises
Launched: August 2007
Relentless is developing a strong following, with a value exceeding £10m, thanks to its larger can size and a more youthful brand positioning than market leader Red Bull. Its Inferno variant adds a fruit taste, further differentiating it from other energy drinks.
Ribena 100% Pure Juices, GSK
Launched: April 2008
Pure Juices is owner GSK's first move into pure juice and is the biggest NPD in Ribena's 70-year history. It intends for the brand to hit £50m within five years and is funding a £1.4m sampling campaign. If the drink reaches even half its target it will be hit.
Ribena Smooth Lollies, R&R
Launched: January 2008
R&R's Ribena Smoothie lollies capitalise on the brand's new healthy profile and will benefit from its move into juices. Packaging for the kid-friendly treats flag up that the product contains only 70 calories per stick, is virtually fat free, contains vitamin C and is made from a superfruit.
Schwartz Recipe Mix Pouches
Launched: March 2008
These dry mix pouches scored highly in our Acid Test section thanks to their strong packaging and entry-level price point. The products enable consumers to make drier spicy dishes, such as jerk chicken, chicken biryani and spicy meatballs, instead of more common wet recipes.
Seabrook Crisps, Hot English Mustard Flavour
Launched: June 2007
Sales of Bradford-based Seabrook Crisps outperform national brand Walkers in some Yorkshire-based Asda stores and a TV advertising campaign for the brand has boosted its profile across the country.
Sqqquishy Smoothie, RDA
Launched: April 2008
Sqqquishy Smoothie was launched to fill the gap in the market for organic drinks aimed at the toddlers-to-teens age group, says the company. The drink is made from 100% organic fruit and contains no additives. It comes in a spill-proof squeezable pouch.
Sure Upside Down Roll-on, Unilever
Launched: December 2007
Sometimes it's the simplest ideas that are the most effective. Take Sure's Upside Down roll-on deodorant, which applies the same logic used in top-down ketchup bottles. The format uses a patented design claimed to produce the smoothest application to date.
This Water, Innocent
Launched: May 2007
This Water had a slow start in its previous life as Juicy Water, but since its relaunch it has grown exponentially. It is expected to hit £20m this year and become an £80m brand within three years. Innocent is spending £1m on This Water this year.
Veetee Dine In Rice
Launched: May 2007
Indian cuisine remains as popular as ever but the credit crunch is making consumers less willing to fork out for a restaurant meal. So step up Veetee's Dine in Rice. The company has invested more than £20m in a new factory to produce a microwaveable product that it claims is a foolproof route to restaurant-quality rice that won't break the bank. The rice comes in four variants - basmati, pilau, long-grain and Thai jasmine - and has already won a number of awards for innovation, including the Food from Britain New Product Showcase award at Anuga last year. With the market for convenience rice booming, Dine in Rice should become a mainstay of the ethnic foods fixture.
Signatore, Goodfella's, Northern Foods
Launched: September 2007
Signatore is the Goodfella's brand's first move into the chilled pizza category and is proving a strong competitor in the own-label dominated category. The company predicts Signatore will be a £20m brand within three years.
Tiptree Hot Mango Sauce, Wilkin & Sons
Launched: March 2007
Mango chutneys are traditionally the preserve of Indian brands, but manufacturer Wilkin & Sons, owner of the Tiptree brand, has proven that sauces from Essex are just as good. Its Hot Mango Sauce comes in a glass bottle with an affordable £1.75 price tag .
Trident, Cadbury
Launched: January 2007
Trident has created a storm since it hit shelves at the start of last year. The brand continues to lead the way in NPD, recently grabbing newspaper headlines for the launch of the first chocolate-flavoured chewing gum. Sales of Trident have topped £33m.
Tropicana Smoothies, PepsiCo
Launched: March 2008
Tropicana Smoothies build on the brand's position as the UK's bestselling juice and have introduced loyal Tropicana consumers to the smoothie category. The launch in March has made smoothies mainstream, and presented a challenge to Innocent.
Tuborg, Carlsberg UK
Launched: April 2007
The UK launch of Danish beer brand Tuborg last year was greeted with joy by beer fans. The brand has already been successful in Russia and Eastern Europe and Carlsberg UK has already dedicated £5m to promote the lager over here. The beer's exclusive image has given it wide appeal.
Vaseline for Men, Unilever
Launched: March 2008
Vaseline For Men was launched with a two-month advertising campaign featuring sports stars Lawrence Dallaglio, James Cracknell and Mark Foster. The range of body and hand lotions and face and bodywash products is predicted to clock up sales of £6.2m in its first year.
Walkers SunBites, PepsiCo
Launched: September 2008
Each bag of Walkers SunBites contains more than a third of the suggested daily intake of wholegrain. The brand has already benefited from a £5m marketing campaign, including a £3m TV ad, and is at the forefront of the growing popularity of better-for-you snacks.
Wispa, Cadbury
Launched: October 2007
Online campaigners persuaded Cadbury to bring back its Wispa bar last year and the company easily managed to shift the 23 million bars it produced as a limited edition. The rumours are that Wispa will return as a permanent line by the end of the year.
Yorkshire Provender soups
Launched: December 2007
The Yorkshire Provender Company's organic soups are hand-made using regional ingredients and each product's packaging displays information on the grower behind the recipe. The products fit neatly into the current climate for more seasonal, local products and interest in provenance.
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