Wednesday, February 23, 2011

And the Winner Is...

Every year, consumers come across innovative products that we didn't even know we needed! Yet, they are such a fantastic addition to the marketplace that they not only thrive, but are also recognized for their contribution to society.

Just weeks ago, the 2011 Product of the Year Awards were announced in New York City, where the Product of the Year committee honored the year's best consumer packaged goods products in a variety of categories.

How are the winners chosen? The Product of the Year committee accepts entries every year from consumer packaged goods that were launched within the previous 12 months and demonstrate extreme originality. Entered products are placed into specific categories such as food, beverages, personal care, household care, and so on, with an item then chosen as a winner in its category through a nationally representative online study of 60,000 consumers conducted by global market research company TNS. Products are judged on elements of innovation such as ingredients, form, function and design.

Without further ado, say hello to the 2011 Product of the Year Award winners in the food and beverage categories!

Candy & Snacks: M&M'S Pretzel Chocolate Candies, Mars Chocolate North America

Frozen Food: Lean Cuisine Market Creations, Nestlé USA

Specialty Foods: Buitoni Riserva Frozen Complete Meals for Two, Nestlé USA

Cooking Spices: Recipe Inspirations, McCormick & Co. Inc.

Beverage: Lipton Brisk, Pepsi-Lipton Partnership

Breakfast: Jimmy Dean Hearty Sausage Crumbles, Sara Lee

Cooking: Olivari Mediterranean Olive Oil, Sovena USA

Established 25 years ago in France and now present in 28 countries, Product of the Year is the world's largest consumer-voted award for product innovation in consumer packaged goods. 2011 marks the third annual round of the program in the United States.

The Product of the Year seal serves as a shortcut for shoppers, helping them find the best of the best in the supermarket. Winning products are announced in February of each year and receive the right to use the Product of the Year seal in marketing communications for one year.

Tell me, have you tried any of these winning products? Leave a message with your thoughts, or share what products you’ve already seen that you hope thrive at next year's awards!

2 comments:

  1. I absolutely adore Peanut M & M's so I had to try the pretzel and coconut ones. I thought the coconut ones were way too sweet but would be fun to decorate a cake or cupcakes with and I felt the pretzel ones were inedible.

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  2. Thanks for the comment, Lori! I haven't tried the coconut M&Ms, but I agree - I was not a fan of the pretzel ones. I like your idea of using them as decorations, though. Cute!

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