Retail giants ALDI and Coles have battled for the top spot at the 9th Annual Product of the Year Awards.
The discount grocer edged ahead with 13 wins while the supermarket giant garnered 12 wins.
Product of the Year director, Sarah Connelly, said it was wonderful to see some of the smaller retailers following the trend of creating home brands which are of a high quality and offer good value for money.
“We’ve also seen a lot of winning products which are made in Australia with local ingredients. There’s a definite move in the right direction to ensure local producers and communities are rewarded for their hard work in helping to keep farming and manufacturing in Australia,” said Connelly.
Product of the Year newcomers Metcash (IGA Supermarkets) and Chemist Warehouse have made a debut, with Metcash winning five awards and Chemist Warehouse with two. Brands have also made a strong showing, taking out 15 of the 47 awards on offer this year. Independent research company Nielsen conducted the consumer research with over 13,000 Australians.
According to the research, Coles provides the best shopping environment and experience over all retailers. Shoppers also voted Coles as first to have new products on its shelves and having the most appealing home brand. ALDI scored highly in providing really good deals and promotions for its customers. Woolworths scored better on offering fresh and healthy products.
“Winning Product of the Year is a huge stamp of approval from the Australian public,” Connelly said. “Shoppers can be confident when they are buying products – whether it be fresh food, beauty items or larger purchases such as electric toothbrushes – that all the guess work has already been taken out by shoppers just like themselves.”
