UK Launch for Kantar Retail's PowerRanking

Nearly two decades on from its US launch, Kantar Retail has rolled out its PoweRanking study in the UK. The study probes manufacturers' views of the major retail chains, and flags up key areas for performance improvement.

The study first aired in the US in 1997, and is now in its fourth year in China.

Initial results show that despite its recent dip in results, 51% of UK manufacturers rank Asda as the overall top retailer, based on key criteria such as clearest strategy and best buying team; and despite its problems a massive 74% of manufacturers say Tesco will be the top 'power retailer' in the near future - while only 15% of manufacturers named Amazon as a predicted 'power retailer' in five years' time.

Asda and Aldi are seen as the retailers with the clearest company strategy, while the best retailer to do business with is Sainsbury's, due to its collaborative nature, ability to build positive working relationships and professional attitude - as well as its clear strategies and ability to implement them.

Principle Consultant Tara Benjamin comments: 'We are delighted to bring this trusted study... to the UK and we hope to make this a trusted and respected benchmark for the industry'.

With 26 offices in 15 markets worldwide, the firm tracks and forecasts over 1000 retailers globally and has purchase data on more than 200 million shoppers. Web site: www.kantarretail.com .