NEW DELHI, Dec 23: Colgate has been replaced by Vicks as the top brand in the country, according to a survey conducted by market research firm ORG-MARG with A&M.

Colgate occupied the numero-uno position since 1993, when the brand survey was first carried out. This is the first time the brand has been relegated to the number two position.

Dettol from the Reckitt and Coleman stable came up to the third place. It was followed by Hindustan Lever's Rin, Close-Up toothpaste and Ponds. At number 7 was Bata, while Iodex was placed at eight position. The ninth position was shared by Horlicks and Doordarshan.

Among the brands that have moved up the pecking order are Dettol, Rin, Close-up, Doordarshan, Ariel, Dabur, Topaz, Liril, VIP Luggage, SBI and BPL.Brands registering a slide are Amul, Cadbury's, Godrej, Bata, Britannia, Lifebuoy, Surf, Prestige and Band-Aid.

The methodology of the survey remained almost same with the exception of small changes -- the weightage ratio of urban to rural sample was changed to 50:50 as against 65:35 in the previous surveys.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.