Cobra 2012 TV advert

81 (103) Cobra

Sales: £27.2m Growth: 28.2%

Cobra has flourished under the joint venture between Molson Coors and Lord Bilimoria to take it beyond its roots in Indian restaurants. The successful Cobra Train ad campaign was supported by a brand redesign.

82 (86) Chekov Imperial

Sales: £26.7m Growth: 5.5%

Although it failed to reach the heady heights of last year, when it posted growth of 15%, Booker’s own-label vodka brand posted solid value sales growth despite flat volumes following a modest price hike.

83 (88) Disaronno

Sales: £26.1m Growth: 4.5%

TV ads directed by Roman Coppola helped Disaronno establish itself firmly in the top 100 this year. Next on the to-do list for First Drinks is a push to win more distribution in the convenience channel.

CRABBIES-BLACK

85 (71) Crabbie’s

Sales: £25.9m Growth: -14.4%

The past year has seen the first reversal of Crabbie’s strong growth since the alcoholic ginger beer’s emergence four years ago. It’s been caused by increased competition both from new rivals as well as wider activity in the fruit cider category.

In response, in May Halewood launched two new Crabbie’s flavours, Raspberry and Strawberry & Lime, which have joined Original and Spiced Orange.

Richard Clark, director of innovation at Halewood, says: “Consumers were saying they’d like to enjoy Crabbie’s on different occasions and with different styles, and felt the brand had scope. During NPD trials, 63% of consumers said they would definitely purchase Crabbie’s Raspberry as a refreshing alternative to the taste profile offered by ciders, with 94% stating they would consider purchasing it.

“The consumers and the trade have been very supportive, encouraging the brand to be enjoyed throughout the year in all seasons, and also at different times of the day.”

Ad support for the ‘spiffing’ brand included a national radio campaign during March, with TV ads for the new flavours in May. Crabbie’s also continued to sponsor the National Television Awards on ITV.

84 (84) Harvey’s

Sales: £26.1m Growth: -1.4%

It has been a quiet year for Harvey’s but decline has slowed. As a Royal Warrant holder, the main event this year is the Coronation Festival where it distributed samples, and a limited-edition bottle.

86 (58) Turner Road

Sales: £25.8.m Growth: -36.8%

Going from strong growth to fairly steep decline, Californian wine Turner Road plans to broaden the US range with new blends at everyday low prices and use aggressive promotions on its core and reserve ranges.

87 (146) Lion’s Gate

Sales: £25.7m Growth: 2428.9%

Amazing growth has seen this easy drinking South African Tesco exclusive shoot up 60 places. The new range - in rosé, red and dry white - also rolled into 3-litre boxes in May, backed by heavy promotional activity.

88 (77) Vina Albali

Sales: £24.9m Growth: -14%

New labels are how Vina Albali hopes to reverse its fortunes. The colour of the foil on the Tempranillo, Verdejo and Rosado Tempranillo now corresponds to the colour of the wine and the labels are lighter.

89 (97) Lanson

Sales: £24.8m Growth: 9.7%

Its non-malo style makes it perfect for “creating occasions”, or complementing them, as in 2012’s patriotic Union flag neoprene jackets - reincarnated as polo shirts to celebrate 25 years at Wimbledon.

90 (75) Tennent’s Super

Sales: £23.9m Growth: -18.8%

An average price decline of 12.4% was maybe not what the government had in mind when it hatched its minimum unit pricing plans but AB InBev hasn’t been able to stop volumes dipping (by 7.3%).

Topics