Nine Foods Selected as Consumer Products of the Year

Nine food companies were recognized for innovation in consumer packaged goods at the 2011 Product of the Year awards ceremony last week.

Hosted in 28 countries, Product of the Year is a consumer-voted program that recognizes innovation in consumer packaged goods. This year's recognition marks the third annual round in the U.S. with more than 60,000 American shoppers voting on products in a survey conducted by TNS custom research agency.

The food product that were voted Product of the Year in their category are:

• CANDY & SNACKS - M&M'S® Pretzel Chocolate Candies - Mars Chocolate North America
• FROZEN FOOD - Lean Cuisine® Market Creations  - Nestle USA
• SPECIALTY FOODS - BUITONI® Riserva Frozen Complete Meals for Two - Nestle USA
• COOKING SPICES - Recipe Inspirations - McCormick & Company, Inc.
• BEVERAGE - Lipton Brisk - Pepsi-Lipton Partnership
• BREAKFAST - Jimmy Dean® Hearty Sausage Crumbles - Sara Lee
• COOKING - Olivari Mediterranean Olive Oil - Sovena USA 
• PET FOOD - TEMPTATIONS® MixUps Treats for Cats- Mars Petcare U.S.
• PET HEALTH - GREENIES® JointCare Treats - The Nutro Company

As part of the nationwide survey with 60,000 shoppers conducted by TNS, Product of the Year winners receive a robust research study providing the latest insights into the mind of today's consumer. According to this survey, 80 percent of consumers are willing to try new products while 68 percent of shoppers say a consumer voted award means more for a new product than an expert's opinion. Recommendations from friends or family positively impacts purchase interest amongst close to half the population.

Visit Product of the Year for the full story and list of all winners.