A fantastic review of brands that are performing in Ireland is covered by the Checkout Top 100 brands issue out this week. I grabbed a copy with the first thing I checked – how were the brands we work on, doing, in this latest round up. Coca-Cola continue to dominate and have held the number one position for the last five years. Having worked, as an agency, with Coca-Cola for the last fifteen years at McCann, I thought about what makes them this successful, and so consistently.

A fundamental core belief in the power of marketing to create brand demand. A relentless focus on their customers. A commitment to the best creative ideas they can muster. But not just ads, brand ideas that can be amplified and connect everywhere and they invest heavily in the right channels at the right time.

They’re smart, efficient and effective and as their agency, we learn from them too and they are a true partner. They continue to attract the top marketing talent for all the right reasons. It’s really genuinely no surprise that they are the number one brand in Ireland. Congratulations to Val Quinn, April Redmond, Gavin O’Doherty and Sharon Walsh, and the full team at Coca-Cola. Rita Kirwan and Nicola Weldon too, at Largo Foods, can take a bow. From a period of decline until 2008, the brand has shot back up the rankings to be the 6^th biggest brand in Ireland. Both brands get top rankings in social media too, with Coca-Cola at a ‘10’ and Tayto at ‘9.5’ – no surprises really.

Digital strategy continues to be a crucial driver, particularly for youth brands and well done to Cadbury, Pampers for their top ranking scores for digital. Lots of great reading in this edition. Get yourself a copy.