Carroll’s, a major midlands brand with over 150 employees in the heart of Co Offaly, was the biggest mover in this year’s Checkout Top 100 Brands list, published on 1 September 2015. The company moved up 41 places to number 72 in this year’s Top 100.

The list is based on branded value sales across the Irish grocery sector, with Nielsen measuring the sales performance of over 6,500 brands from over 200 product classes in compiling the report.

While Coca-Cola continues to lead the Top 100, occupying number one position for the 11th year in a row, Irish consumers are remaining loyal to Irish brands, with seven of these in the top 20.

Avonmore Milk, Brennans and Tayto fill second, third and fifth place, respectively, while Jacob’s, Club soft drinks, Irish Pride and Dairygold occupy ninth, 13th, 14th and 15th place respectively.

This is the sixth year in a row that Brennans has held on to third spot, while Avonmore Milk is celebrating its seventh year as Ireland's second biggest selling brand.

Others such as Flahavan’s (52), and Brady Family ham (61) are achieving their highest-ever position in this year’s chart.

“I think what this year’s Top 100 Brands shows us is that with those brands that have invested and put a good plan in place, the opportunities are there to grow,” said Matt Clark, Commercial Director, Ireland, Nielsen.

“Brands have a big part to play in terms of driving differentiation, and they can only do that by bringing innovation to the marketplace.”

Carroll’s marketing manager Karen Hanley said: “By consistently delivering with an excellent range of products to suit all shopper needs, as well as offering great value for money, Carroll’s is a firm family favourite nationwide, and we are delighted to be the biggest mover in the Checkout Top 100.”

Carroll’s is supported by a comprehensive activity plan including TV advertising, tailored in-store promotions, and exhibiting at events across the country, as well as their long-standing association with Offaly GAA.

Hanley highlights: “At Carroll’s we always have customers at the heart of what we do, and our products continue to delight shoppers, making Carroll’s one of Ireland’s best brands.”