Unilever, Diageo and J&J among winners in awards for new product launches
The inaugural Product of the Year awards, a UK-based initiative that has launched in Australia, has recognised Unilever’s Omo, Diageo’s Baileys liqueur and Johnson & Johnson’s Neutrogena among the most innovative brands in the launch of new products.
Baileys won the alcoholic beverage category for its Baileys with a hint of Coffee product, while Omo 2X Concentrate won the laundry category.
The best new household cleaning product went to Viva Glass & Mirror Wipes; household products went to Mortein NaturGard Automatic Indoor Insect Control System; Neutrogena Wave Power Cleanser won the facial care category; and adult medicine was awarded to Nurofen Zavance Tablets, Caplets & Liquid Capsules.
A panel of judges, chaired by Luke Dunkerley, Woolworth’s marketing chief, initially vetted the products prior to turning the process over to a vote consisting of 5,000 consumers.
Sarah Connelly, director of Product of the Year, said: “Peer recommendation is becoming the number one trusted source of information on products and services, and Product of the Year gives Australian marketers the ability to access an independent recommendation by 5000 consumers.”
The winning products will have the option to feature a Product of the Year logo on their packaging.
Torch Media and Retail World are the Australian sponsors of the awards, with TNS the global research partner.
The winners will be featured in a Torch Media shopper campaign at shopping centres and supermarkets around Australia, as well as in magazine advertising.
The awards are run by Product of the Year Management, with the global CEO Mike Nolan based in the UK. The concept has also been launched in the US, Canada, South Africa, India, Japan and New Zealand.
Whatsnew? has previously run a Product of the Year awards, but ceased operation after last year’s awards.
The new awards programme created by Product of the Year Management has no association with Whatsnew?
ACP Magazines’ The Australian Women’s Weekly also launched a Product of the Year awards last year, but it does not focus on new product launches.
Full list of category winners:
- Adult Health – Durex Play O
- Adult Medicine – Nurofen Zavance Tablets, Caplets & Liquid Capsules
- Alcoholic Beverage – Baileys with a hint of Coffee
- Chocolate Confectionary – Lindt Essence Assorted Selection
- Confectionary – Rio Sugar Free Mints
- Convenience – Cooking SunRice Rice & Curry
- Dessert – Coles Finest Madagascan Vanilla Ice Cream
- Facial Care – Neutrogena Wave Power Cleanser
- Suncare – Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunscreen Body Lotion SPF30+
- Household Cleaning – Viva Glass & Mirror Wipes
- Household Products – Mortein NaturGard Automatic Indoor Insect Control System
- Laundry – Omo 2X Concentrate
- Personal Grooming – Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship Range
- Sauces & Marinades – Gourmet Garden Fresh Blends
- Savoury Snacks – SunRice Vintage Cheddar & Black Pepper Rice Cakes
- Home Technology – Duracell Instant Charger
- Fresh Produce – Sunny Queen Farms Cage Free Eggs
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Women’s Weekly’s Product of the Year Awards does give brands the opportunity to shine even if they aren’t necessarily new products. It is good to revisit old favourites ocassionally and give them a pat on the back.
They did however have a section for “Favourite New Product of the Year” which was across any category. The winner was Nivea Sun Light Feel Daily Face Veil SPF30.
Another way you could look at this is ACP developing another way for manufacturers to pay for ad space.
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