A host of talented local bands set the mood that evening, and we were also treated to the (rather unique) comedic genius of the one and only John Vlismas.  After having a good chuckle (perhaps helped along by the presence of Bacchus, the Greek god of wine), it was down to business, with the lovely Google South Africa spokespeople providing an enlightening insight into the world of marketing.

The cuisine almost justifies a post on its own, with an absolutely stellar menu comprising everything from mouth-watering canapés to sinfully decadent deserts entertaining our taste buds and doing our waistlines a disservice!  The wide range of culinary delights was perfectly suited for this event which is sure to resound in the memories of all present as a stylish – albeit laid back – affair.

The main event was, of course, the prize giving ceremony during which the coveted Product of the Year Award was given to products which stood out in their respective categories.  It was indeed a privilege to see exceptional brands receive acknowledgement for creating superior products.

The night ended quite literally in fireworks with spectacular displays of pyrotechnic wizardry illuminating the Jo’burg night sky while the masterful DJ Fresh provided the soundtrack.
All in all, it was an evening marked by quality; everything , from the beaming hostesses who greeted guests on arrival at the venue, to the surprise presence of an exotic Italian sports car, spoke of an event that was well-planned and superbly orchestrated.

Over 550 of South Africa’s top consumer goods experts celebrate the best innovation for 2011

After months of research involving over 5000 consumers around South Africa, the Product of the Year 2011 winners have been announced at a glittering event at Summer Place in Hyde Park.

Product of the Year has enjoyed success for over 25 years and on every continent on the planet with one key goal – to champion the rights of consumers to get the best in product innovation. The organisation was started in France by Christian Le Bret and has since growth to encompass developed markets, including the U.S., U.K., Italy and Australia, as well as developing markets, such as India and South Africa.

The guest speaker, at the event, was David Felwick (C.B.E.). Mr. Felwick enthused about the success of Product of the Year that he had seen in his tenure as Managing Director of Waitrose and Chairman of the British Retail Consortium. Mr. Felwick further quoted figures of sales growth of +40% for some winners in the U.K.

In South Africa, Nielsen conducts the research with over 5000 South African consumers. Research is conducted one-on-one and face-to-face making it the largest survey on consumer innovation in the country. South African winners come from companies as diverse as Unilever, Reckitt Benckiser, Colgate-Palmolive, Rainbow Chicken Farms and Nestle. In total 36 innovative products were identified in the 2011 leg of the research. Winners will be able to use the Product of the Year logo on various communication vehicles, such as television ads, print and on-pack, to highlight the endorsement they have received from the South African public.

“We are delighted at another successful year of supporting South African consumers”, says Product of the Year MD Preetesh Sewraj. ”With the assistance of responsible manufacturers, we aim to continue identifying the best new innovations by getting the South African public to give us constructive feedback on whether new launches really are making a difference in their lives and giving them value for money.”

Dr. Rey shows victory sign for the PoY process.

Dr. Rey has seen that Product of the Year is not just a prestigious award but also champions the rights of consumers to get the best new products while delivering an ROI for companies.

More great news is that in September Product of the Year-South Africa will also be working with 3 starred Michelin Chef & celebrity Gordon Ramsay at the Good Food & Wine Show to review some great new food innovation in the market.

To celebrate this great new partnership, Vodacom will be sponsoring the research costs for ALL products that do not win in their categories for Product of the Year 2012!

This means that no matter how many products you enter you only pay if you win. If you don’t win then the entire process is absolutely free – it’s that simple and all part of Vodacom’s plan to bring more “Power to You! ” We would like to extend a special thank you to the team at Vodacom for helping champion the rights of South African consumers!

Entries close on 31st July 2011 – Now you can get ALL your great new products into the largest survey of consumer innovation.  There is absolutely no risk and you still get a copy of the Nielsen report that highlights your products performance amongst 5,000 South African consumers!

Colin Watts,
Chief Innovation Officer, Walgreens (2010 Jury Chair)

Ed Uebele, Marketing Director, MARS Petcare (2010 US Winner)

Associate Brand Manager, MARS Petcare (2010 US Winner)

Natalie Banks 
Marketing Director, Wella (2009 US Winner)

Neil Shah 
Brand Manager, SC Johnson Aircare (2010 US Winner)

Mike San Clemente
 Associate Brand Manager, MARS Petcare (2010 US Winner)