The Product of the Year scheme is expanding globally. Established over 20 years ago in mainland Europe, the awards reached the UK in 2005 and the organisers now plan to extend the initiative to a further 15 countries. Over the next two years the consumer awards scheme will launch in India, Japan, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Brazil and Argentina. Plans are also being developed for the US and China as well as other countries.
Product of the Year md Mike Nolan comments: “We are confident that wherever Product of the Year exists it will always have the same goals; championing innovative manufacturers and helping shoppers to find the best new products - as voted for by the people.
“The success of Product of the Year has driven our ambition to develop the concept around the world. The increased awareness and new plans for the scheme demonstrate to anyone thinking of entering this year just how successful the initiative has been.”
According to research conducted by TNS, 41% of people aged 16-44 in the UK are now aware of the scheme and nearly half of them say they are more likely to buy winning products.
Organisers are now calling for entries to the 2008 awards.