Here is the news you really care about. The IRI Beer, Wine & Spirits Practice (a marketing research firm) is out with its annual list of the top 30 beer brand performers for 2006. IRI analyzed volume growth, share of segment trends, everyday base pricing, and incremental sales growth in 2006 versus 2005 to determine the brands with the strongest performance in the beer industry. Ranked #1 for year-over-year growth was an import, Newcastle Brown Ale from the UK, followed by Modelo Especial from Mexico. Two specialty domestics were next, Samuel Adams Seasonal and Blue Moon Belgium White Ale (which, despite its name, is a US brew). Fifth was one of the best known imports, Stella Artois. Where was Budweiser in the ranking? Its big growth brand, Bud Light, was #19. "Consumers are definitely willing to pay premium price for their favorite brands, with 21 of the top 30 performers being high-end brands that include 14 imports, 6 craft brands, and one malternative. Manufacturers are also meeting the ever-changing tastes of consumer demands with their new product innovations. The key now is getting the proper amount of shelf space and distribution in the right stores to support these power brands." said Bump Williams, general manager, IRI Beer, Wine and Spirits Practice. Ready to do your own research this weekend?

Here is the top 30 list for 2006 and 15 up-and-comers to watch in 2007.