There is no shortage of exciting new products available in 2016 and the Best New Product Awards highlights what consumers should look for in the coming year.
Results of the 13th annual BrandSpark Canadian Shopper Study were released on Wednesday with 71 winning products across multiple categories. The 2016 survey had more than 217 entries and more than 39,000 Canadians participated in the study which helped determine the winning products.
Photo Credit: BrandSparkSome of the winning products for 2016.
"The sheer number of new products that appear on store shelves each year can be overwhelming," said Robert Levy, President and CEO of BrandSpark International and Founder of the BNPAs. "For the thirteenth consecutive year, the Best New Product Awards and companion BrandSpark Canadian Shopper Study distinguish the products that are truly innovative. The Awards Program and the Study provide manufacturers with important insights about what Canadians look for while they shop."
In addition to the winning products, the study also looked at what is on the mind of Canadian shoppers before they hit the store.
We've seen Canadians' interest in new products remain strong through economic ups and downs, with 75 per cent embracing innovation," said Levy.
Photo Credit: BrandSparkSome of the winning products for 2016.
More and more Canadians enjoy household shopping than now, with 52 per cent of shoppers saying they enjoy hunting for deals. Just 33 per cent of shoppers say that the convenience of one-stop shopping is more appealing than the lowest prices. "With 46 per cent of Canadians saying they would be happy making fewer trips to the store, we anticipate ecommerce shopping to rise in the future," added Levy.
Over-the-counter health products advertised as "natural" also resonate with shoppers, with 53 per cent saying they try to find natural products, as long as they do not compromise on efficacy. Thirty-six per cent of Canadians are convinced that organic food products are healthier, even though only 23 per cent regularly buy them. Sixty per cent of Canadians stated they would buy more organic food products if they were less expensive.
Photo Credit: BrandSparkSome of the winning products for 2016.
Canadians also say they are not as brand loyal as they were a few years ago.
"This decrease in brand loyalty is interesting," added Levy. "It appears to be driven in part by rising food prices and the low dollar, as we're seeing promotions drive product switching more than ever."
