WALNUT CREEK, Calif., Feb. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Del Monte® Fruit Refreshers™, the first ever Fruit Cup® snack made just for adults, has been named Product of the Year for 2017. Product of the Year is the world's largest consumer-voted award for product innovation where winners are backed by the votes of 40,000 consumers in a national representative survey conducted by research partner Kantar TNS, a global leader in consumer research. With unexpected flavors, exciting combinations and refreshing fruit waters at 100 calories or less, Del Monte Fruit Refreshers has taken home the top honors in the Healthy Snacks category.
"Competition is fierce among consumer brands, with thousands of new products introduced to market each year," said Mike Nolan, Global CEO, Product of the Year USA. "This year's winners will have a true advantage over competitors as they are able to utilize the distinctive red Product of the Year logo on packaging and in brand advertising to show shoppers that over 40,000 consumers recommend their product against the competition."
Each year, Product of the Year takes entries from new consumer products launched within the previous year that demonstrate innovation within their industry. Product nominations are then placed into categories such as beauty, personal care, household essentials, food and beverages, and are assessed on five key measures. One product is then named the winner of each category, based on the results of the consumer survey.
"We are honored that Del Monte Fruit Refreshers has been selected as a 2017 Product of the Year Award winner," said Valerie Van Arkel, Sr. Associate Brand Manager, Del Monte. "In launching Fruit Refreshers, we set out to give adults more adventurous flavors, larger sizes, and more intriguing and convenient packaging, and we are happy to see that our Fruit Cup answers to the wants and needs of our adult consumers."
The complete list of 28 winners selected to receive the 2017 Product of the Year Award can be found at productoftheyearusa.com or follow along on social with #POYUSA2017.
About Del Monte®
Del Monte Foods, Inc. is one of the country's largest producers, distributors and marketers of premium quality, branded food products for the U.S. retail market. The company also produces and distributes private label food products.
About Product of the Year
Product of the Year is the world's largest consumer-voted award for product innovation. Established 30 years ago, 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. Product of the Year winners are backed by the votes of over 40,000 consumers in a nationally representative survey conducted by research partner Kantar TNS, a global leader in consumer research. The award is a powerful merchandising program for marketers proven to increase product sales, distribution and awareness. Winning products are announced in February each year and receive the right to use the Product of the Year seal in marketing communications for two years. For more information, visit productoftheyearusa.com.
About Kantar TNS
Kantar TNS is one of the world's largest research agencies with experts in over 80 countries. We provide actionable insights to help companies make impactful decisions and drive growth. With expertise in innovation, brand and communication, shopper activation and customer relationships we help our clients identify, optimize and activate the moments that matter to drive growth for their business.
