22 February 2007, 17:48 PM
  • According to a new report, consumer concerns over health issues are boosting sales of food and drink brands that offer a clear health message.

The Top 100 Grocery Brands report, compiled by Independent Retail News’ sister magazine, Checkout, and market research company, Nielsen, shows consumers are beginning to understand and respond to the concerns of eating an unhealthy diet.

Fiona Briggs, editor of Checkout, says, “Brands that have performed really well have largely done so on the back of either development into healthy, wholesome lines or the removal and reduction of ‘nasties’ such as saturated fats, salt and artificial additives.

“What’s more, the two fastest growing brands in the UK today, Innocent and Danone Bio Activia, both have health at their very heart.”

“The report, which is compiled from sales data in more than 74,000 multiple and independent stores, shows 67 of the top 100 brands are in growth - with 29 of these in double or triple digit growth.

“Coca-Cola maintains its position as the number one brand in Britain. It has been a good year for Coke and the launch of Coke Zero, a sugar-free alternative targeted at men, has helped sales grow by five percent. Warburtons has cemented its position as the number two grocery brand in the UK with the highest growth rate of any in the top ten - an increase of 17.7%. Sales of healthy, wholesome lines have contributed to this growth.”

She concludes that smoothie brand, Innocent, enjoyed a 140% increase in sales to enter the Top 100 for the first time, at number 63. Danone Bio Activia is the second fastest growing brand, behind Innocent, and is highest new entry at number 60 with sales up by 77%.