Your top ten North East brands

May 22 2009 The Journal

WHICH big names are most synonymous with the North East? We asked you to nominate the brand names that you are proud to have associated with the region...

Nissan

We might not be able to claim the global Nissan brand originated in the North East, but there is no doubt that, for many, the car manufacturer has become synonymous with the region. Driven across the world, the Nissan tag is unmistakable, which is why you voted it into our Top Ten Brands. With new model the Qazana all set to go into production at the Japanese firm’s Washington plant it won’t be long before even more families add the brand to their lives.

Berghaus

Like its Sunderland neighbour, Berghaus can’t be claimed as the North East’s own, but as a brand we export to the world it is still central to our region’s economy. The outdoor clothing and equipment specialist has cornered much of the adventure-seekers’ market thanks to its image of durability, reliability and comfort, mixed with readiness for excitement. Our readers’ votes show Sunderland is still as proud as ever to play home to the leisure-wear manufacturer.

Newcastle Brown Ale

If the first two big-name brands have been adopted by the region then there is no question over Newcastle Brown Ale’s heritage. A Geordie’s favourite tipple, for decades it gave drinkers an excuse to ‘take the dog for a walk’. Still brewed on Tyneside by Federation Breweries, the ale has retained its loyal legion of drinkers close to home, while developing a niche reputation among connoisseurs across the world. The ale can also count Hollywood legend Clint Eastwood among its fans. All of which can only point to success as a brand.

Abbey Well

It might now be owned by Coca Cola but Abbey Well natural mineral water is still offering the thirst-quenching reliability and bottled-freshness which has seen it become a table-top fixture in restaurants and bars everywhere. Diners and drinkers trust that, having chosen still or sparkling, when the seal is broken they will get the mineral-rich palate-cleanser they have come to expect. And all this from a business started as a Morpeth family-run firm.

Barbour

When it comes to branding, few outdoor clothiers have reinforced their message like Barbour. As much a pointer of lifestyle, the South Tyneside-based manufacturer’s products have come to symbolise comfort and protection from the elements and those who work outside trust it to protect them. And with some of the weather the North East can throw out it’s no wonder readers have picked the wax-jacket makers as one of our region’s Top Ten brand champions.

Ringtons

There are some North East tea experts who will accept no substitutes.

Having grown up watching their parents and grandparents buying from the Ringtons van, it’s no wonder our readers wanted the company featured in our Top Ten brands. For many, the brew conjures comforting thoughts of childhood, for others the longevity of the company’s success is enough to reassure them they are consuming quality. When the Newcastle heir to a priceless Beatty supercar, inherited from his uncle, sold it at auction recently there were no thoughts of Champagne on his mind – just a nice cup of Ringtons . . . in Paris.

Phileas Fogg

They’re back and they’re as tasty as ever. Phileas Fogg snacks take some beating when it comes to pre-dinner nibbles. The picture of the literary adventurer on the packets is enough for snackers to know it’s worth delving into the bowl for a handful when the treats are dished out. That, we assume, is why you have picked the brand, now under production again in Consett, to feature in our Top Ten.

Fentiman’s

There can be few companies in the country who can lay claim to successfully reviving a brand like Hexham-based Fentiman’s. Using age-old family recipes the soft drinks-maker has found its way into quality bars, restaurants, supermarkets and delis UK-wide. The bottle shape, the label and above all the taste have made it one of the North East’s most enduring brands.

The North East

When it comes to branding it would be difficult not to include the region as a whole. Passionate People Passionate Places – the high-profile campaign run by the regional development agency One North East – has helped sell the unexplored mystery of the region across the country. It’s also served as a timely reminder to many closer to home just how many spectacular scenes and fascinating spots to visit are right on our doorstep.

1Daylater

Whereas most of this Top Ten has been made up of established big-hitters in the brand world 1Daylater has crept in as an up-and-coming contender. The online operation partnered by Teeside Digital City, Sunderland Software City, and Culture Lab Newcastle is set to launch in August and offer a unique way to keep track of expenses, time, mileage and costs via a web-hosted database. It could soon be helping to organise us all.