Bass is attempting to break through the clouds of uncertainty that hang over its future by coming out fighting. It has increased marketing budgets, is working on 23 new product development projects and has put in a sales performance well ahead of the industry. The brewer has been waiting to find out who its new owner will be for the last 12 months while a DTI inquiry into its takeover by Interbrew, and the Belgian brewer's subsequent legal challenge to the findings, proceeded. And last week the DTI gave Interbrew clearance to break up Bass and sell off the Carling business. Bass marketing director Mark Hunter said: "In terms of performance, 2001 has been our best year ever. Our volumes are up 2% and our share of the total beer market has increased to 25.4%." He said Carling and Tennent's had peformed well and Grolsch was the fastest growing premium packaged lager. The marketing budget has increased to £88.5m and will include a new sponsorship deal for Carling, which is still under wraps. New products to date have concentrated on the on-trade, with the national roll out of the super chilled Arc lager and Mojo, a premium bottled lager containing added stimulants. But it has also unveiled a price fighting premium packaged drinks range under the Different World Drinks label. This features Siberian Ice, Cuban Fire and Amazon Mist. Hunter added: "They give consumers variety and our customers the chance to sell at a very competitive price." {{DRINKS }}