Product of the Year USA

PRODUCT OF THE YEAR USA AND MULTI MEDIA EXPOSURE FORM STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP TO CREATE LIVE RETAIL TELEVISION OPPORTUNITIES FOR INNOVATIVE CONSUMER PRODUCTS

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CPG Brands Entering Product of the Year Awards by August 31 Automatically Considered for MME Retail Television

NEW YORK – July 13, 2010 – Product of the Year USA (POY), the world’s largest consumer-voted awards program and Multi Media Exposure (MME), a leader in live television retailing known for successfully launching brands on HSN, today announced a strategic partnership to develop unique marketing platforms and live retail television opportunities for innovative consumer products. Consumer packaged goods brands who participate in Product of the Year USA, an annual program where 60,000 American shoppers vote on the most innovative consumer products, will be considered for MME’s live television opportunities. The entry deadline for Product of the Year USA is August 31, 2010.

“Being able to share MME’s expertise in growing brands in the direct-to-consumer space, specifically on HSN with innovative consumer products, is part of our commitment to showcasing product innovation,” said Colleen Kelly, managing director, Product of the Year USA. “We are thrilled to embark on this new partnership with MME and excited to explore opportunities with our prospective award-winning brands.”

MME represents numerous successful brands both on live direct marketing channels as well as taped infomercials. Their close working relationship with HSN and their partners allows MME to position products for maximum selling potential and guide their partners through the HSN process. MME develops its own products or assists its clients with the development of a product.

“MME continues to bring great products to the TV retailing environment and we are excited to introduce the innovative products entered into Product of the Year to HSN,” said Skip Borghese, president of MME.

The strategic alliance between Product of the Year and MME comes on top of the numerous benefits available to POY winners, including a high-profile national public relations campaign.

Open to all innovative products launched after January 2009, the registration form can be found online at www.productoftheyearusa.com. #

About Product of the Year: Product of the Year is the only consumer product award that rewards innovation and is voted on by real consumers. Established 24 years ago in France, POY currently operates in 28 countries with the same purpose: Guide consumers to the best products in their market and reward manufacturers for quality and innovation. Backed by the votes of 60,000 consumers, the distinct red POY seal serves as a shortcut for shoppers in the supermarket, saving them time and money. For manufacturers of the winning products, the award is a powerful marketing message proven to increase product trial retail distribution and sales by an average of 10-15%. Product of the Year accepts entries every year from consumer packaged goods that demonstrate innovation and were launched within the previous year. Entered products are then placed into specific categories such as food, beverages, personal care, household care, etc. with a product then being chosen as a winner in its category through a nationally representative online study. For more information, visit www.productoftheyearusa.com.

About MME: Launched in 1996 Multi Media Exposure was created in response to the demand from traditional vendors needing assistance with marketing, distribution and an introduction to the exciting world of TV retailing. Now, with offices in New York, New Jersey and Florida, MME is at the forefront when it comes to TV retailing. The founding members have been involved on many levels of wholesaling from Revlon, Max Factor and Mennen, to LPI cosmetics which distributed or owned lines such as Perlier, Fendi, Orlane, Gale Hayman, and La Perla. In addition to traditional retailing, the principals of MME have over 19 years of experience with live and taped direct response, including 5 years on QVC and over 14 years at HSN. From Marketing to Product Management, MME’s managing directors have direct relationships with the buyers and executives at the top Shopping Networks, allowing for maximum selling potential, identifying opportunities and guiding their partners every step of the way. In addition to their success with the shopping networks, MME has also assisted in creating some of the most successful and longest running infomercials within the United States. Further adding to their achievements, MME currently manufactures three highly thriving lines on HSN: The Princess Amanda Collection – a jewelry line created by Amanda Borghese , documenting her travels around the world, and launched in July of 2008; Royal Treatment Italian Pet Spa – a prestigious line of all-natural, human-grade, gentle and effective bath & body pet products, made in Italy; and Casa di Francesca – a Home Fragrance Collection, inspired by the rich surroundings of Europe. Whether it be assisting in the launch of a product on Live TV such as HSN or manufacturing one of their own brands, MME has the reputation and knowledge to help their clients achieve their utmost goals.

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NEW AND INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS INVITED TO ENTER INTO THE NATION’S LARGEST COMPETITION OF CONSUMER PACKAGED GOODS

Calling All Consumer Brands; Product of the Year USA Accepting Entries for Third Annual Consumer-Voted Awards Program

TNS Survey Finds Nearly 50% of Shoppers Would Try a Product Recommended by 60,000 Other Consumers

Entries Release 2011

NEW YORK – April 26, 2010 – Consumer brands across the country are invited to enter their newest innovative products into the 2011 Product of the Year (POY) USA Awards. Join the ranks of Procter & Gamble, Coca-Cola, Unilever, Nestlé, SC Johnson and others to participate in the nation‟s largest consumer survey on product innovation conducted by TNS.

Having earned the honor to wear the Product of the Year stamp, last year‟s 14 winners (including Glade Sense & Spray, Colgate Wisp, Sprite Green, Secret Waterproof, Pantene Nature Fusion and others) are currently enjoying new media campaigns and amplified consumer exposure resulting in increased sales. Carrying the „Product of the Year‟ stamp of approval increases a product‟s credibility and consumer trial. Research shows that the Product of the Year seal on packaging is 25% more effective at generating purchase intent than the word “new!” Additionally, 36% of consumers are more likely to believe an advertisement featuring a Product of the Year seal.

“Supermarket shelves are overcrowded and stuffed with an abundance of products that look alike. The POY stamp sets the best and most innovative items apart from the rest, guaranteeing a strong distinction for the world of consumer packaged goods,” said Phil Lempert, The Supermarket Guru®.

“With a continuous increase of new products on store shelves, it is important to recognize that retailers are always looking for ways to eliminate clutter for shoppers; we want the most innovative products to stand out in store aisles,” said Colin Watts, Chief Innovation Officer Walgreens. “By giving shoppers the confidence to try a product for the first time, the Product of the Year stamp makes their life easier and helps both brands and retailers.”

The 2010 Product of the Year survey found that 52% of consumers are looking for new products that provide better value for their money. This is a significant drop from 64% exactly a year before, suggesting that shoppers are shifting their focus to choosing products that are innovative and offer quality over a lower price point.

“The Product of the Year logo is a powerful seal honoring the most innovative and relevant products from a variety of consumer product categories as voted on by over 60,000 shoppers alike nationwide,” said Colleen Kelly, Managing Director of Product of the Year. “According to our most recent study, nearly 79% of respondents said they like to try new products, with more than 70% stating they would pay more for new products if they are satisfied with them. Product of the Year‟s goal is to steer consumers in the right direction, by elevating and highlighting companies with truly innovative and quality products that consumers are interested in trying.”

Hosted in 28 countries for more than two decades, Product of the Year is the world‟s largest consumer-voted program that recognizes innovation in consumer packaged goods. For the third year, U.S. shoppers will be called upon to vote and select a new generation of winners who will earn the POY endorsement in their product category to be announced in February 2011. The final deadline to submit
entries is August 31, 2010. To enter a product and for more information, please visit www.productoftheyearusa.com.

About Product of the Year:
Product of the Year is the only consumer product award that rewards innovation and is voted on by real consumers. Established 24 years ago in France, POY currently operates in 28 countries with the same purpose: Guide consumers to the best products in their market and reward manufacturers for quality and innovation. Backed by the votes of 60,000 consumers, the distinct red POY logo serves as shortcut for shoppers in the supermarket, saving them time and money. For manufacturers of the winning products, the award is a powerful marketing message proven to increase retail distribution and sales by an average of 10-15%. Product of the Year accepts entries every year from consumer packaged goods that demonstrate innovation and were launched within the previous year. Entered products are then placed into specific categories such as food, beverages, personal care, household care, etc. with a product then being chosen as a winner in its category through a nationally representative online study. For more information, visit www.productoftheyearusa.com.

About TNS:
TNS, which recently merged with Research International, is the world‟s largest custom research agency, delivering actionable insights and research-based business advice to its clients so they can make more effective business decisions. TNS offers comprehensive industry knowledge within the Consumer, Technology, Finance, Automotive and Political & Social sectors, supported by a unique product offering that stretches across the entire range of marketing and business issues, specializing in product development & innovation, brand & communication, stakeholder management, retail & shopper, and qualitative research. Delivering best-in-class service across more than 70 countries, TNS is part of Kantar, the world‟s largest research, insight and consultancy network. Please visit www.tns-us.com for more information.

Media Inquiries:
Colleen Kelly
Managing Director
Product of the Year USA
212-213-0600
colleenkelly@productoftheyearusa.com

Jamie Kronfeld
Account Coordinator
MWW Group
646-351-8116
jkronfeld@mww.com

Entries Release 2011

Innovation Based on Value and Specific Consumer Needs Key for Growth in 2010 for Consumer Package Brands

Colin Watts, Walgreens Chief Innovation Officer and Herb Sorensen, TNS Scientific Advisor, Reveal Retail Trends and the Nation’s 14 Most Innovative Consumer Packaged Goods at the Product of the Year USA Awards Ceremony

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NEW YORK – February 3, 2010 – Walgreens Chief Innovation Officer Colin Watts and TNS Scientific Advisor Herb Sorensen, delivered retail and consumer insights to executives from Procter & Gamble, Nestle, SC Johnson, Coca-Cola and other consumer brands at last night‟s Product of the Year USA 2010 Awards Ceremony. The event, held in New York City and hosted by Phil Lempert, the Supermarket Guru®, honored the 2010 Product the Year Award winners from Colgate, Pledge, Tide, Mars, Clairol and Sprite among other brands who were recognized by consumers for bringing product innovation to the marketplace.

“With consumers watching their wallets more closely and the increase in new products, today‟s brands and retailers are constantly looking for ways to help shoppers deal with “aisle overload,” said Watts. “Successful companies are the ones who bring new product innovations that are based on what consumers need during these challenging economic times and consumers are rewarding them with their purchases.”

“Shoppers are faced with a blizzard of choices in the store, and anything that helps them cut through the clutter is good for the shopper . . . and good for the retailer and brand” said Sorensen. “Product of the Year is a three-way win: Shopper, Retailer and Brand. It not only provides a distinguishing mark, but backs that mark with a one-two punch: chosen by other shoppers and „new,‟ a powerful motivator of trial in a jaded market.”

“The past 20 months proved to CPG brands just how important innovation is, and the difference it can make in keeping their sales and customer base strong” said Phil Lempert, the Supermarket Guru®. “As the economy rebounds, look for more companies to follow this year‟s winners to the path of success.”

Hosted in 28 countries, Product of the Year is the world’s largest consumer-voted program that recognizes innovation in consumer packaged goods. This is the second year Product of the Year was conducted in the U.S. with over 60,000 American shoppers voting on products in a survey conducted by TNS, the world‟s largest custom research agency. The following 14 products were voted Product of the Year in their category:

• Hair Care – Pantene Pro-V Nature Fusion Shampoo and Conditioner – Procter & Gamble
• Hair Color – Perfect 10TM by Nice „n Easy – Procter & Gamble
• Personal Care – Secret Clinical Strength Waterproof – Procter & Gamble
• Laundry Products – Tide Stain Release – Procter & Gamble
• Carpet Care – Resolve Deep Clean Powder – Reckitt Benckiser
• Household Products – Glade® Sense & SprayTM – S.C. Johnson & Son Inc.
• Home Cleaning Products – Pledge® Multi Surface – S.C. Johnson & Son Inc.
• Coffee Systems – Nescafé Dolce Gusto – Nestlé
• Beverages – Sprite GreenTM – The Coca-Cola Company
• Oral Care – Colgate® Wisp® – Colgate-Palmolive Company
• Personal Hygiene – Afrin® PureSeaTM – Schering-Plough Consumer HealthCare
• Pet Food – Cesar® Treats – MARS Petcare U.S.
• Children’s Products – Springfree Trampoline – Springfree Trampoline Inc.
• Value Products – Moser Roth® Chocolate – Aldi Inc

According to a recent TNS survey, 41 percent of consumers are seeking new products that offer better value for the money. Recommendation is also really important for new products, with consumer endorsements positively impacting purchase interest amongst close to half the population. In addition, the same survey found that displaying the Product of the Year stamp on a package is 25% more effective at generating purchase interest from shoppers than simply displaying the word “New!” on a package.

“The Product of the Year seal is a true vote of confidence for today‟s consumer. In our age of information and social networking, it‟s the only distinction that truly delivers the consumer vote to everyday shoppers,” said Colleen Kelly, Managing Director of Product of the Year.

Shoppers nationwide will be able to recognize the winners starting in February of this year by looking for the red „Product of the Year‟ stamp on packaging, in advertising, and in-store displays. Last year‟s winners included products from Duracell, CoverGirl, Oust, Canada Dry, Degree and others who promoted their wins by efficiently wearing the red stamp.

For additional information / hi-res images of the Product of the Year USA winners for 2010, please visit www.productoftheyearusa.com.

About Product of the Year: Product of the Year is the only consumer product award that rewards innovation and is voted on by real consumers. Established 24 years ago in France, POY currently operates in 28 countries with the same purpose: Guide consumers to the best products in their market and reward manufacturers for quality and innovation. Backed by the votes of 60,000 consumers, the distinct red POY logo serves as shortcut for shoppers in the supermarket, saving them time and money. For manufacturers of the winning products, the award is a powerful marketing message proven to increase retail distribution and sales by an average of 10-15%. Product of the Year accepts entries every year from consumer packaged goods that demonstrate innovation and were launched within the previous year. Entered products are then placed into specific categories such as food, beverages, personal care, household care, etc. with a product then being chosen as a winner in its category through a nationally representative online study. For more information visit www.productoftheyearusa.com.

About TNS: TNS, which recently merged with Research International, is the world‟s largest custom research agency, delivering actionable insights and research-based business advice to its clients so they can make more effective business decisions. TNS offers comprehensive industry knowledge within the Consumer, Technology, Finance, Automotive and Political & Social sectors, supported by a unique product offering that stretches across the entire range of marketing and business issues, specializing in product development & innovation, brand & communication, stakeholder management, retail & shopper, and qualitative research. Delivering best-in-class service across more than 70 countries, TNS is part of Kantar, the world‟s largest research, insight and consultancy network. Please visit www.tns-us.com for more information.

Media Inquiries:
Colleen Kelly
Managing Director
Product of the Year USA
212-213-0600
colleenkelly@productoftheyearusa.com

Jamie Kronfeld
Account Coordinator
MWW Group
646-351-8116
jkronfeld@mww.com

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CONSUMER PACKAGED GOODS INVITED TO ENTER LARGEST INNOVATION SURVEY: 100,000 AMERICANS WILL NAME THE PRODUCT WINNERS FOR 2010

Product of the Year USA Accepting Entries for Second-Annual Awards Program

NEW YORK, April 15, 2009 – Consumer packaged goods are invited to join the ranks of Procter & Gamble, Unilever, Dr Pepper Snapple, Duracell, Oust, Pantene, Olay, Zyrtec, CoverGirl and other brands, by entering the 2010 Product of the Year USA awards. As the nation’s largest consumer survey on product innovation, Product of the Year partners with leading global research company TNS to survey 100,000 American shoppers, who ultimately pick the winners in each category.

“The Product of the Year seal is a valuable shortcut for shoppers in search of the best products on today’s supermarket shelves,” said Colleen Kelly, Managing Director of Product of the Year. “It not only saves consumers precious time and money at the store, but also helps companies and their products truly stand out for innovation and value.”

In a recent monthly Omnibus Express survey, TNS found that the Product of the Year logo on a package is 25% more effective at generating purchase interest from shoppers than the word “New!”

“Our research has found that the current economic uncertainty has people looking for products with better value and some level of consumer feedback and endorsement,” said Shannon Hazlett, Senior Manager, TNS. “Product of the Year pinpoints those particular products that resonate with 100,000 likeminded shoppers from across the country.”

Having earned the ultimate consumer endorsement, last year’s 16 winners are now enjoying increased sales and media exposure as they incorporate Product of the Year into marketing efforts, in-store promotions, and advertising.

“With 45,000 products crowding our supermarket shelves, the average American shopper is looking for products that they can trust and have the recommendation of other shoppers – the POY logo is a safety net,” said Phil Lempert, The Supermarket Guru®. “Product of the Year is the ultimate distinction for the world of consumer packaged goods.”

Internationally, the Product of the Year logo has resulted in average sales increases of 10-15% for winning products, though higher increases are not uncommon. In the U.K., hair care category winners Pantene and Herbal Essences attributed 120% and 135% year-over-year sales increases respectively to their POY wins.

As product submissions and categories grow, Americans will once again vote on and select a new generation of product winners, which will be announced in January of 2010. Now in its 23rd year and in 28 countries globally, Product of the Year made its debut in the U.S., India and South Africa in 2008, and is also launching this year in Canada, Australia, and Japan.

All entries received by June 12, 2009 will receive a special registration discount. The final deadline to submit entries is July 31, 2009. To enter a product, and for more information, please visit www.productoftheyearusa.com.

About Product of the Year: Product of the Year is the only consumer product award that rewards innovation and is voted on by real consumers. Established 22 years ago in France, POY currently operates in 28 countries with the same purpose: Guide consumers to the best products in their market and reward manufacturers for quality and innovation. Backed by the votes of 100,000 consumers, the distinct red POY logo serves as shortcut for shoppers in the supermarket, saving them time and money. For manufacturers of the winning products, the award is a powerful marketing message proven to increase retail distribution and sales by an average of 10-15%. Product of the Year accepts entries every year from consumer packaged goods (CPG) that demonstrate innovation and were launched within the previous year. Entered products are then placed into specific categories such as food, beverages, personal care, household care, etc. with a product then being chosen as a winner in its category through a nationally representative online study. For more information visit www.productoftheyearusa.com.

About TNS: TNS is a global market information and insight group. Its strategic goal is to be recognized as the global leader in delivering value-added information and insights that help its clients make more effective business decisions. TNS delivers innovative thinking and excellent service across a network of 80 countries. Working in partnership with clients, TNS provides high-quality information, analysis and insight that improve understanding of consumer behavior. TNS is the world’s leading provider of customized services, combining sector knowledge with expertise in the areas of Product Development & Innovation, Brand & Communications, Stakeholder Management and Retail & Shopper. TNS is a major supplier of consumer panel, media intelligence and audience measurement services. TNS is the sixth sense of business™. www.tnsglobal.com

Media Inquiries: Colleen Kelly
Managing Director – Product of the Year USA
212-213-0600
colleenkelly@productoftheyearusa.com

Dan Lantowski
Account Executive – MWW Group
212-827-3748
dlantowski@mww.com