While new categories emerge every year, Britain’s largest consumer-voted award (8-10,000 consumers surveyed) is inviting a wider pool of brands to enter than ever before. Apps, gardening, DIY and consumer finance products are some of the new categories that have joined the continually growing list of awards – all of which have performed well in global Product of the Year markets in recent years.
But not just anyone can expect to earn the right to carry the iconic Product of the Year logo. Only the very best innovators will win the title in their respective categories. Over the past two decades, Product of the Year has championed countless innovative products that have become staples in UK homes. Mattresses in a box, the upside down Heinz ketchup bottle, Weetabix On The Go Breakfast Drink and tubeless Kitchen and toilet rolls are just a few examples, among hundreds, that have won Product of the Year awards. The infamous logo has 81% shopper recognition and can be spotted online, in all major supermarkets and convenience stores across the country. Commonly regarded as a seal of approval amid a sea of products on shop shelves, it’s a vote of confidence by consumers for consumers.
These products demonstrate excellence across numerous criteria, from packaging design to evolving recipes, but most importantly – they provide a unique solution to a universal consumer need. Last year’s home security winner, Ring, is part of a new wave of tech products helping us have more control over our homes. Fellow champion, Emma, is part of a movement of brands helping the nation get a good night’s sleep with mattresses-in-a-box delivered direct to your door and Concha y Toro won for a bold and inclusive product that is part of a wine revolution. Other notable winners included Mars, Reckitt and Perfetti Van Melle.
Recent research by Product of the Year hints to some of the trends we might see among the winners-to-be. Nearly two-fifths (37%) of consumers voted for gut health products when asked what factors were most important to them when trying a new product. Plant-based products (17%), free-from (16%), grooming (15%), NO-LO (14%) and home-delivered meal boxes (13%) drew in votes respectively.
Commenting on the opening of the next awards, Helga Slater, MD, Product of the Year says: “In our 20th year, we’re bigger and better than ever. Over the last two decades, we’ve scoured the nation for the very best innovations. These are the products that have a genuine impact on the lives of consumers – whether that’s simply bringing us joy, helping us be healthier/more sustainable or saving time in our daily tasks. With new categories and surprises in-store, this year promises to be one of the biggest yet.”
If you’d like to enter Product of the Year 2025, you can do so via this link.
