NEW YORK — Wisk Deep Clean, Listerine Total Care Zero and Healthy Choice Top Chef Inspired Cafe Steamers are among the 2012 Products of the Year, as voted by consumers. The items earn the right to use a red symbol stating “Voted Product of the Year, Consumer Survey of Product Innovation, 2012.”
A Product of the Year shopper survey conducted by TNS finds that young consumers may be especially receptive to the designation since those under 35 are 33% more likely to try a product if it has won some type of award.
Winning products were announced at an awards ceremony here Tuesday. They include Milk-Bone Mini’s Dog Treats, Better Than Bones Plus Dental, Softsoap brand Coconut Scrub Bar Soap, Colgate Optic White, Clairol Nice ‘n Easy Color Blend Foam, Huggies Little Movers Slip-On Diapers, Sierra Mist Natural, Snickers Peanut Butter Squared, Orville Redenbacher’s Pop Up Bowl, New York Brand Garlic Knots, AirWick Flip & Fresh, Aquafresh Training Toothpaste, Zero Odor household cleaner, Off! Deep Woods Dry Insect Repellent, and Coffee-mate Natural Bliss creamer.
Products are initially nominated by their manufacturer before the field is narrowed by a panel of industry judges. Recognized brands are ultimately chosen by 50,000 Americans polled by research agency TNS. Entry in the program is free but products selected by the jury as finalists pay $17,000. Winners pay $53,000.
