Product of the Year (PoY), the largest annual consumer product research survey on the African continent, has announced an increase in local entrants to the awards and a general improvement in innovation which caters for the South African consumer, according to the results of its latest South African consumer survey.

PoY winners are chosen following an intensive judging process based on months of rigorous research conducted by independent research house, Nielsen. Over 5 000 South African households are surveyed to understand which products have won the hearts and minds of consumers.

“It’s encouraging to see South African products competing with products which are on par with global counterparts. There was a good mix of entries from small companies along with the expected entries from medium to large corporates,” says PoY CEO and Chief Innovation Analyst Preetesh Sewraj.

“We are seeing more than ever local and international brand owners putting great effort in investing in innovating their products to suit and cater for local consumers. Ultimately consumers deserve the best products and services which exceed global best practice,” says Sewraj.

He says PoY will continue its mandate of lobbying brands to offer consumers the best products and services at a price deemed equitable.

“Although we have made huge strides, we are still a long way from fully achieving products which fully cater to the needs of the South African consumer. Brands need to continue investigating their consumers product usage and habits to come up with products that answer these uniquely local needs, this is when true innovation is realised, “concludes Sewraj.

Launched in 2008 in South Africa and present in 43 countries globally, PoY is the world’s largest consumer voted programme that identifies and celebrates innovation in the product and services industry. 

The 2016 winners cross a wide spectrum of industries, with the product categories ranging from mobile phones, personal and childcare to household appliances as well as motor lubricants.

Winners will be able to use the PoY logo on various communication vehicles, such as television, print, social media and on-pack, to highlight the endorsement received from the South African public.

Product of the Year 2016 winners list