Sunday, October 21, 2007 Coca-Cola has held on to its position as the country's most valuable grocery brand, despite the growing pressure on shoppers to eat and drink more healthily. The soft drink, valued at an estimated £1.164billion, is way out in front of runner-up Warburtons, worth £516million.

Coca-Cola extended its lead this year thanks partly to the launch of sugar-free Coke Zero. However, its arch-rival, Pepsi, lost both sales value and brand value in 2007. Healthy drinks maker Innocent entered the top 100 list for the first time - at No.48, with a brand worth £93million.

It is the highest new entry in this year's league table, which ranks 100 of Britain's most valuable grocery brands. Cadbury's Dairy Milk dropped from second to third place with a brand worth £441million - down £83million on last year. The fall is being blamed on a damaging salmonella scare, according to brand valuation experts at Intangible Business, which compiled the table.

Probiotic yoghurt drink Actimel fell nine places and lost 38 per cent of its brand value, while Birds Eye frozen ready meals dropped 12 places and lost 28 per cent of brand value from last year. Other new entrants to the top 100 include New Covent Garden Soup and Kettle Chips.