The soft drinks giant was one of five brands to hold the same position in the top 10 as they did last year alongside Lucozade (second), Tayto (third), Cadbury Dairy Milk (fourth) and Red Bull (eighth).
Another energy drink, Monster, moved up two places to fifth, displacing Avonmore and Brennans Bread, which both fell one place to sixth and seventh, respectively.
Chewing gum Extra entered the top 10 for the first time, rising from 11th to ninth, bumping 7UP down to 10 and Pringles to 11.
“Ireland’s grocery market is a beacon of excellence where trusted brands consistently deliver quality and innovation, delighting consumers year after year,” said Maev Martin, Editor of Checkout.
“While the retail landscape is still challenging, inflation has been decelerating this year, leading to greater stability and, in many instances, accelerated growth for grocery retail brands."
Martin, editor of Checkout, was encouraged by Irish brands surging up the list, chief among them Glenisk yoghurt, which jumped 32 places from 92 last year to 60.
“The September 2021 fire at its plant in Killeigh, outside Tullamore, in Co Offaly, halted production for four months and put the brand at a massive disadvantage in the market.
"Its year-on-year climb back up the rankings ever since, and its gargantuan achievement this year, is a testament to the consistent quality of the Glenisk product and to the esteem in which the brand is held by Irish shoppers.”
Irish brands to rise significantly this year include O'Donnells crisps (49 to 42), Clonakilty sausages (63 to 57), Deep River Rock (31 to 26), and Barry's Tea (33 to 28), while Keogh's Crisps (56) and Flahavan's (62) both retained their positions.
Other brands to make huge leaps on this year's list include HB Cornetto (91 to 75), Cadbury Snack (78 to 63), Kinder (47 to 34), Ariel (76 to 64) and McCain (77 to 65).
The new entries in the top 100 were Ferrero (103 to 90), which returned more than 30 years on from its famous 'Ambassador's Party' television advert, and Hula Hoops (118 to 96) with 34m packs sold in Ireland last year.
“Ireland’s FMCG brands have shown remarkable resilience and innovation, as they continue to thrive and deliver exceptional value to consumers, proving that strength and adaptability are at the heart of their success,” said Ruth Lloyd Evans, senior business insights manager, retailer services, NIQ Ireland.
“Brands continue to thrive by adapting to changing consumer preferences, investing in sustainable practices, and leveraging digital transformation.
“These strategies help food brands connect with their target audience, drive engagement, and ultimately increase sales.
"The outlook for 2025 is on the rise, as consumer sentiment continues to improve and inflation is stabilising.
"Pressure points are easing and shoppers are shifting from cautious to intentional spending. However, concerns regarding economic stability, personal financial security, and environmental health remain prevalent.”
There are 10 new category leaders in 2024, including Ryan's, which dethroned Stafford's Bakeries in Cakes. Fairy topped Persil in Detergents while Fairy Platinum replaced Fairy Platinum Plus at the top in Dishwasher Products.
In Shampoo, L’Oréal Elvive claims the top spot from Head & Shoulders, while Airwick is the new leader in Air-Fresheners. In Shower Gels, Dove takes the top spot from Radox, and there is a new leader (Sorrento Pizza) in the Chilled Pizza category.
Crisp ‘n’ Dry is the new leader in Cooking Oils (Non-Olive), while in Jam, Folláin displaces Bonne Maman to claim the top spot.
In Liquid Soap, Palmolive wrests the number one position from Carex.
* This article was originally published on Business Plus.
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