The Grocers 100 Biggest Alcohol Brands of 2014

78. Westons,

Sales: £29.0m, Growth: +31.2%

Flavoured ciders are still driving much of the growth in the category - but the stellar performance   of Westons shows there is still plenty of success to be had in traditional ciders. 

The Hereford-based producer last year launched its first ever TV campaign, and the brand returned to screens this May as part of a £3.5m push that will include activity at events such as next months Bristol Balloon Festival. 

Westons also had festivals on its mind with the launch of a three-litre bag-in-box version of its Wyld Wood organic cider, and this autumn will be rolling out a mulled cider 2.25-litre bag-in-box under its premium brand Henry Weston.

"We have seen massive growth of mulled cider in the on-trade," marketing manager Ian Lewis said. "It will also help with ciders seasonality and extend ciders drinking occasions."

Traditional cloudy cider Old Rosie is also getting its first above-the-line campaign and was gaining "real traction with the off-trade."

Henry Weston Vintage has also benefited from increased advertising support, and an on-pack promotion to support the Cheltenham Jazz Festival earlier this year. This has helped sales of Vintage grow almost £5m in the past year.

"There is still headroom in the off-trade," Lewis said earlier this year. "We have long-term aspiration to see the brand double and were well positioned to do that."