The Product of the Year awards, heading into their third year in Australia, have now joined the successful global franchise that sees consumers in 28 countries choose the best new product launches every year.

Australia’s largest independent consumer survey of product innovation, initially started by infomercial advertiser ‘what’s new?’ and conducted by Roy Morgan, will this year be carried out by global research company TNS – in line with the global program. Winners of the awards are allowed to use the Product of the Year logo on their brand – which has typically seen sales rise by 10-15%.

Mike Nolan, CEO of Product of the Year global – based in the UK, is amazed at the rapid global expansion of the Awards and has been impressed with the Australian entries over the past two years.

“In the UK more than half of supermarket shoppers recognise and value the Product of the Year logo, and we are confident that Australian consumers will put as much faith in their peers’ judgment as their UK cousins,” he said.

Last year, the awards sought the opinions of 5,000 Australian consumers, helping to identify some of the trends most supported by consumers – with convenience being a notable leader.

“Australia has long been a test market for the world, so we are very lucky here in terms of product innovation,” Australian Product of the Year Manager, Sarah Connelly, noted. “Though as shoppers become more and more pressed for time, any shorthand recommendation – such as the Product of the Year logo – will become a valuable asset for any brand.”

Entries in the Product of the Year Awards 2010 are now open to all Australian marketers who have launched a new product since July 1st 2008. Marketers have until August 31st to enter their products, which will pass through an initial short listing process before a judging panel of leading consumer product experts and consumer affairs reporters.

“We will be announcing our chairman of judges and other panel members very soon,” Ms Connelly advised.

Winners will be announced at an awards presentation in February 2010, in categories including Dairy, Household Cleaning, Body Care, Breakfast, Hair Care and Beverages.

“We are anticipating that this year will see a marked increase in entries, as the Product of the Year logo gains traction with both marketers and consumers in Australia,” Ms Connelly added. “All products that are voted winners by our 5,000-strong consumer panel have the opportunity to include the Product of the Year logo on their packaging for the following 12 months, indicating to shoppers that their peers have recommended these products.”

The winners will be announced in February 2010.

Last year’s winners can be seen here.

Share