Product of the Year is the largest consumer voted award for product innovation. Product of the Year was created to champion new product innovation and give shoppers a shortcut to the very best new products on the market. It’s not only an internationally recognized award but a proven ROI tool.

There are three key areas in which Product of the Year differs versus other award programs:

Trust

Product of the Year has been in operation for over 40 years worldwide. We work with innovation leaders such as P&G, Unilever, Kimberly Clark, Johnson & Johnson, Nestle and many more.

Global

Product of the Year has a globally expanding footprint that currently stands in over 40 countries. Each country operates under a similar goal: Guide consumers to the most innovative products on the market.

Independent

At its core, Product of the Year awards innovation through one of the largest independent consumer surveys which is conducted by the global leader in product innovation research, Kantar.

For the 2027 awards, we accept entries from products launched after January 1st, 2025. Products must demonstrate meaningful consumer innovation in one of the following areas: function, design, packaging, ingredients. If you’re not sure if your product qualifies, please reach out to us, and we can help figure out product eligibility.

We accept entries from products that demonstrate innovation in their function, design, packaging, or ingredients. This could be a completely new type of product or a useful innovation to an older product or brand, such a new ingredient, redesigned shape or size, new formula (eg. less sugar) or new packaging (eg., user-friendly or sustainable). Remember, it does not have to be revolutionary as long as it makes consumers’ lives better/easier. Please contact us directly if you have questions about your product.

We partner with the leading global research company Kantar, to survey a nationally representative sample of 40,000 American shoppers. The survey is designed to evaluate product innovation on several criteria, including product appeal, advocacy, purchase interest, and more.

Yes. There is no limit on how many products from one brand can be entered, as long as they meet the criteria above.

Product of the Year accepts entries for the 2027 program beginning April 1, 2026

The general broad categories of product entries we accept include Food and Beverage, Health and Beauty, Personal Care, Household Products, Pet Supplies, OTC medications, Small Appliances and Electronics, Financial Services, etc. The exact category names are determined by Kantar after all entries are received. Because this is an award for innovation, the categories are often driven by innovation trends of the preceding year.

We work with Kantar to make sure only comparable products compete with each other.

• If your product is qualified to be a part of the 2027 survey of 40,000 consumers, there is a finalist fee of $7,000.
• Entries received for the 2027 program before July 15, 2026 will receive a $2,000 discount on the finalist fee, reduced to $5,000.
• If consumers vote your product “Product of the Year”, there is a one-time winner fee of $76,000 that allows promoting the win and using our logo in any type of media and marketing for two full years. This fee also covers full inclusion in the national PR campaign which generates over 1 billion media impressions annually.

Products cannot opt out once submitted. By completing the online entry form, you are providing full commitment to the program and any fees that may apply if your product qualifies as a finalist or is voted a winner of Product of the Year.

Winners have found numerous ways to benefit from POY over the past 40 years, but below are the guaranteed benefits offered to the Product of the Year winners:

• Inclusion in nationwide PR campaign – delivering at least one billion media impressions annually through national & regional broadcast, consumer & trade media, social media & influencer campaigns, giveaways and more.
• A comprehensive research analysis of the Kantar survey of 40,000 consumers, reporting product performance across several measures including appeal, satisfaction, advocacy, purchase interest, uniqueness, relevance and excitement.
• Most importantly, winners receive a two-year licensing term on unlimited usage of the Product of the Year seal on all marketing material which has a proven track record to lift sales.

Press Preview is a preliminary evaluation of all entries. Information about each product who has entered is shared with PR and media representatives to build awareness for all product finalists.

Product of the Year was founded in 1987 in France by former L’OREAL executive, Christian LeBret.

Product of the Year currently exists in over 40 countries. Each market operates independently.

You may contact us with any questions at info@poyusa.com

With questions about sponsorships or joint ventures contact Dolinda Meeker at dolinda@poyusa.com.

For PR inquiries, please contact poy@smallgirlspr.com.

For media inquiries, contact Brian Michael Hart at brian@poyusa.com.

With general inquiries and information on how to enter, contact Jeff Hurwitz at jhurwitz@poyusa.com or Zack Lipton at zack.lipton@poyusa.com.

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