17 Jul 2024 SA’s Most Innovative Products of the Year 2024
The annual Product of the Year South Africa (POYSA) event has come and gone, and here’s news of the 2024 beverage winners as voted by a consumer panel…..
The prestigious gala event, which recognises South Africa’s most innovative consumer products, was held at Langhams Lifestyle Experience in Fourways, on 27 June.
Product of the Year is the largest, consumer-voted award for product innovation in SA. It is part of a global network of over 40 national programmes and was created specifically to champion new product innovation and provide shoppers with a shortcut to the most pioneering new products on the market.
In order to be accepted in the research study and stand a chance of being bestowed the Product of the Year seal, products are required to have national distribution and demonstrate meaningful consumer innovation in one of the following areas: function, design, packaging, ingredients.
This could be an entirely new product or a useful innovation to an existing product or brand, such as a new ingredient, redesigned shape or size, new formulation – such as reduced sugar, or new packaging – such as user-friendly or “green”.
Entry into the 2024 Awards were open to new products which were launched after January 1 2022, as well as products that have been in the market for 10 years or more. This year, products in 21 categories were evaluated across several criteria including product appeal, purchase interest, uniqueness and relevance.
Edith Venter, GM at Product of the Year South Africa, said: “Product of the Year recognition serves as the standard for consumer confidence, particularly within a retail environment where customers are faced with tough decisions at point of purchase. Research shows that being recognised as a Product of the Year enables a consumer to make a quicker, more reliable and informed decision.”
More on the research
Product of the Year is voted for by 2 000 connected adult consumers in SA. According to leading consumer research partner Kantar, 77% of people surveyed find that a Product of the Year logo influences their decision to try a new product.
Belinda Reyneke, Research Consultant for Kantar’s Insights Division in South Africa said: “For Product of the Year, we analyse and present the data that serves as a reference point for selecting winners, allowing them to stand out in a competitive market. The dual impact of our research means that it helps manufacturers better understand their consumers and get closer to their needs, while also empowering consumers to find the best new products. Congratulations to the winners, as well as the entrants, outshining competitors in an increasingly competitive market is an enormous achievement.”
[It’s not clear how many products enter this event, how truly competitive its structure, or how the categories are defined. Ed]
The 2024 Product of the Year beverage winners
Winner Hot Beverages: Society Caramel Toffee Cappuccino
Society Caramel Toffee Cappuccino forms part of the delectable Society Cappuccinos range. Made from 100% Arabica coffee beans, Society Cappuccinos combine quality coffee with the creamy indulgence of a cappuccino, to give consumers an authentic coffee shop experience at home.
2024 marks the 30th anniversary of Joekels Tea – a KZN-based business that went up against the tea giants and is now a leading tea manufacturer. What many may not know, however, is that Joekels Tea entered the coffee game several years ago with the launch of their Society Cappuccinos brand.
“Entering the coffee category was very daunting,” commented Candice Sessions, Society marketing manager. “We are up against a lot of big players with many years of experience in the coffee game.
“This award really validates for us that we made the right decision branching into coffee and putting the hard yards into making Society Cappuccinos a recognised brand. It’s also a testament to the fact that Society is meeting the needs of South African cappuccino drinkers, and offering something that is different and appreciated.”
Winner Cold Beverages: Jungle Oat Drink Range
The ready-to-drink Jungle Oat Drink range, launched in the last quarter of 2023, is the first of its kind in the South African market. Available in five flavours – Original, Banana, Chocolate, Mixed Berry and Toffee Caramel.
It addresses consumer trends towards health and nutrition, snackification, as well as convenience.
“Our investment in a core brand such as Jungle is demonstrative of remaining true to and delivering on our purpose to nourish and nurture more lives every day by offering consumers food solutions, like the ready-to-drink Jungle Oat Drink range, that meet their need for health and nutrition, convenience and snackification,” said Liezel Holmes, MD: Grains, Tiger Brands.
Entries for the 2025 Product of the Year Awards will be accepted from September 2024.
For more information visit: Product of the Year