Product of the Year USA Unveils Notable Insights From Survey Of 50,000 Consumers

LAST CHANCE FOR 2014 AWARD ENTRIES IS AUGUST 30TH, 2013

2014 WINNERS WILL ONCE AGAIN BE ANNOUNCED ON AN EXCLUSIVE PARADE MAGAZINE COVER FEATURE

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Aug 22, 2013, 12:33 ET

NEW YORK, Aug. 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Currently collecting entries for its sixth consecutive year of empowering consumers, Product of the Year USA has continued to elevate new, innovative products with its signature red seal. Winning products are chosen each year via a TNS survey of 50,000 consumers, which has provided valuable insights into the evolving mindset of shoppers from year to year. When asked about important factors that would influence their decision to try a new product innovation, the priorities of survey participants made several key shifts between the years of 2010 and 2013.

When looking to purchase a new product, respondents identifying better value, better nutrition and products that improve their overall health as influential factors noticeably increased during this time frame. These shifts clearly prove that value is more important than ever before while also reflecting society's growing interest in living a healthier lifestyle. Unsurprising in today's fast-paced culture, respondents interested in products that save them time also increased, which points to efficiency as an additional concern among shoppers nationwide. However, the most notable change was a 9 percent increase in participants who would be influenced to buy a new product that was the recipient of an award.

With these trends in mind, companies across the nation are submitting their latest innovative products in an effort to be crowned Product of the Year USA 2014 by the very people who will use them every day. Entrants from a wide spectrum of industries will have until Friday, August 30^th to present their eligible products for consideration. 2013 Product of the Year USA winners have been featured on a number of high profile broadcast outlets, including "FOX & Friends," "The Wendy Williams Show," "The Daily Buzz," "PIX11" and more. 2014 winners will also once again be revealed on PARADE magazine's exclusive cover feature in early February.

"Going into our sixth year in the United States, Product of the Year has become an important initiative for marketers looking to stand out in a marketplace loaded with new products," said Colleen Kelly, Managing Director of Product of the Year USA. "The award helps new and innovative brands move to the front of the pack while also providing guidance to consumers. The response from the media and retail community has been growing exponentially from year to year."

Hosted in 38 countries worldwide for more than two decades, Product of the Year is the world's largest consumer-voted program that recognizes innovation in consumer products. Eligible products must be launched since January of 2012 and demonstrate innovation. To enter a product or for more information, please visit www.ProductOfTheYearUSA.com or call 212-213-0600.

About Product of the Year:
Product of the Year is the only consumer product award that rewards innovation and is voted on by real consumers. Established 27 years ago in France, POY currently operates in 38 countries with the same purpose: Guide consumers to the best products in their market and reward manufacturers for quality and innovation. Backed by the votes of 50,000 consumers, the distinct red POY logo serves as shortcut for shoppers in the supermarket, saving them time and money. For manufacturers of the winning products, the award is a powerful marketing message proven to increase retail distribution and sales by an average of 10-15%. Product of the Year accepts entries every year from consumer products that demonstrate innovation and were launched within the previous year. Entered products are then placed into specific categories such as food, beverages, personal care, household care, etc. with a product then being chosen as a winner in its category through a nationally representative online study. For more information visit www.productoftheyearusa.com.

About TNS:
TNS is the world's largest custom research agency, delivering actionable insights and research-based business advice to its clients so they can make more effective business decisions. TNS offers comprehensive industry knowledge within the Consumer, Technology, Finance, Automotive and Political & Social sectors, supported by a unique product offering that stretches across the entire range of marketing and business issues, specializing in product development & innovation, brand & communication, stakeholder management, retail & shopper, and qualitative research. Delivering best-in-class service across more than 70 countries, TNS is part of Kantar, the world's largest research, insight and consultancy network. Please visit www.tnsglobal.com for more information.

SOURCE Product of the Year USA