The latest news, trends, analysis, interviews and podcasts from the global food and beverage industry

According to the report, Tesco's brand (and reputation) is worth £8.6bn, with Sainsbury's in second place with £4.9bn, and Marks & Spencer in third place with £3.9bn.

Experts looked at 100 retailers and ranked them on the basis of factors such as sales, future growth, brand heritage and customer service. The £8.6bn level for Tesco is the amount the brand could be sold for.

The UK’s most valuable retail brands 2008

1. Tesco £8.6bn

2. Sainsbury’s £4.6bn

3. Marks & Spencer £3.9bn

4. Asda £3.6bn

5. Morrisons £2.6bn

6. Boots £1.9bn

7. Argos £1.4bn

8. The Co-operative £1.4bn

9. Waitrose £1.2

10. 
    

11. John Lewis £1.1bn

The UK’s most valuable grocery retail brands 2008

1. Tesco £8.6bn

2. Sainsbury’s £4.6bn

3. Asda £3.6bn

4. Morrisons £2.6bn

5. Waitrose £1.2bn

6. Somerfield £843m

7. Spar £537m

8. Aldi £430m

9. Lidl £361m

10. Iceland £282m

11. Londis £228m

12. Greggs £117m

13. Ocado £110m

14. Martin McColls £107m

15. Netto £80m

16. Costcu

17. £75m

18. Budgens £66m

"Strong brands are more important than ever before as more competition, and the requirement to convince the consumer to part with money, will require more brand differentiation," said Stuart Whitwell of Intangible Business, which carried out the study.