Product of the Year, the world’s largest consumer-voted award, has announced the addition trial of select heritage categories to its independent brand-endorsement programme. This initiative is designed to celebrate iconic products that have become an intrinsic part of South African society.

Based on the results of the nation’s largest consumer survey, which rewards product innovation based on the endorsements of 5 000 consumers, Product of the Year has helped consumers find the best new products and services in specific markets, while also rewarding manufacturers for quality and innovation.

According to Preetesh Sewraj, CEO and chief innovation analyst of Product of the Year South Africa, there are a number of deep-rooted, established South African brands and products make a positive impact on the lives of South African consumers.

 “South Africa has a strong history of innovation, which means that there are still iconic brands on shelf today that offer consumers quality and value for money. We feel they deserve acknowledgement and we have expanded our footprint to include a select few heritage categories in the South African Product of the Year awards in 2017,” he says.

The Heritage award will initially include a number of categories in line with the established Product of the Year award categories.

Once the selection has been made, the winners of each division will be able to use the unique and distinctive Product of the Year Heritage logo on their packaging and marketing, under licence for a period of 12 months.