The winners of the 2022 Product of the Year Awards have been revealed after 5,000 shoppers voted for their favourite supermarket and everyday products.
The world’s largest consumer-based awards program is now in its 13th year in Australia, recognising product innovation and helping shoppers save time and money.
Almost one-third of the winning products (12 out of 37) were easy snacks, ready-to-eat products, or frozen meals, highlighting the importance of convenience during the pandemic. Shoppers were also seeking ‘creature comforts’ with another 12 award-winners being affordable luxury and indulgence items including mattresses, desserts and skincare.
Research conducted by Nielsen for Product of the Year found that more than one in three Australians (38%) would switch products if it was more convenient for them. The research also uncovered the desire for convenience in the way people shop, with consumers seeking retailers with stronger online-shopping capabilities, and that also provide the best deals and promotions.
Australians are also embracing more environmentally friendly products with one in two shoppers (51%) saying it’s important that new products they try are sustainable.
Another key finding from the Nielsen research was shoppers’ likelihood of purchasing a new product with a POY logo with nearly one in two Australians (45%) likely to purchase a product if it has won POY.
According to Product of the Year director, Sarah Connelly, ongoing restrictions have considerably shifted Australian household consumption habits.
“Now we’re seeing people having to work from home more, manage more people in their household and even in many instances, home-school children, which is leaving the average Australian short on time and capacity to prepare lavish meals,” she said.
“Instead, we are seeing the move towards easy, simple and pre-made meals and snacks, that save people time and leaves them with one less thing to worry about in their day-to-day lives.
“In addition, we have unsurprisingly seen a range of wider homewares and lifestyle products make the winner’s list for 2022, including two Koala furniture products (a mattress and sofa bed), as well as some more lifestyle products including skin products from The Balnea Body Company.”
A panel of judges, comprising of various industry experts, first tested the products for quality, credibility, and innovation. The resulting product finalists were then reviewed and voted on by 5,000 Australians.
The Nielsen research that determines the winners involves evaluating consumer responses by using six key innovation criteria which include:
1. Relevance – Is the product fulfilling a need or addressing a problem?
2. Uniqueness – Does is stand out and bring something new to the category?
3. Excitement – How excited are they to use the product? Would they spread the word?
4. Likeability – Does it deliver what you want?
5. Distinctiveness – Does it add something new to its category?
6. Innovation – Is it an innovative product?
A full list of the Product of the Year Award winners are below.