Top New Items From CPG Companies Honored

NEW YORK -- The second annual Product of the Year 2010 Awards Ceremony, held here this week, put the spotlight on 14 products voted by consumers as the best in their category.

"With consumers watching their wallets more closely and the increase in new products, today's brands and retailers are constantly looking for ways to help shoppers deal with 'aisle overload,' said Colin Watts, chief innovation officer at drug chain Walgreens and one of the evening's guest speakers. "Successful companies are the ones who bring new product innovations that are based on what consumers need during these challenging economic times and consumers are rewarding them with their purchases."

Herb Sorenson, scientific advisor for global retail & shopper practice for TNS, which surveyed more than 60,000 American shoppers to pick their favorites, said: "Shoppers are faced with a blizzard of choices in the store, and anything that helps them cut through the clutter is good for the shopper ... and good for the retailer and brand." He continued: "Product of the Year is a three-way win: shopper, retailer and brand. It not only provides a distinguishing mark, but backs that mark with a one-two punch: chosen by other shoppers and 'new,' a powerful motivator of trial in a jaded market."

Supermarket Guru Phil Lempert, a frequent contributor to Convenience Store News, Progressive Grocer and The Gourmet Retailer, again served as master of ceremonies for the event.
"The past 20 months proved to CPG brands just how important innovation is, and the difference it can make in keeping their sales and customer base strong," said Lempert. "As the economy rebounds, look for more companies to follow this year's winners to the path of success."

Hosted in 28 countries, Product of the Year is the world's largest consumer-voted program that recognizes innovation in consumer packaged goods. The following 14 products were voted Product of the Year in their category:

-- Hair Care -- Pantene Pro-V Nature Fusion Shampoo and Conditioner - Procter & Gamble
-- Hair Color -- Perfect 10 by Nice 'n Easy - Procter & Gamble
-- Personal Care -- Secret Clinical Strength Waterproof - Procter & Gamble
-- Laundry Products -- Tide Stain Release - Procter & Gamble
-- Carpet Care -- Resolve Deep Clean Powder - Reckitt Benckiser
-- Household Products -- Glade Sense & Spray - S.C. Johnson & Son Inc.
-- Home Cleaning Products -- Pledge Multi Surface - S.C. Johnson & Son Inc.
-- Coffee Systems -- Nescafé Dolce Gusto - Nestlé
-- Beverages -- Sprite Green - The Coca-Cola Co.
-- Oral Care -- Colgate Wisp - Colgate-Palmolive Co.
-- Personal Hygiene -- Afrin PureSea - Schering-Plough Consumer HealthCare
-- Pet Food -- Cesar Treats - MARS Petcare U.S.
-- Children's Products -- Springfree Trampoline - Springfree Trampoline Inc.
-- Value Products -- Moser Roth Chocolate - Aldi Inc
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