'Product of the Year' Announces Partnership With PARADE Magazine to Reveal List of The Year's Most Innovative Consumer Packaged Goods

NEW YORK, July 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Product of the Year USA (www.productoftheyearusa.com), the world's largest consumer-voted program that recognizes innovation in consumer packaged goods, announced today it has teamed with PARADE magazine, the most widely-read publication in America, to highlight the most innovative products for American consumers.  As the exclusive media partner of Product of the Year USA, PARADE will reveal the highly-anticipated 2013 Product of the Year winners in a cover story in early 2013. Consumers will have access and be able to read about the most innovative products they voted for nationwide.

Each year, the country's most innovative consumer packaged goods in a variety of categories earn the right to be named Product of the Year.  Voted on by 50,000 consumers in a national survey conducted by TNS, the world's largest custom research agency, the award honors the most cutting-edge, must-have products of the year. PARADE magazine is distributed weekly to more than 640 newspapers nationwide, helping connect Americans with issues they care about most and move them to action.

"Each year thousands of new and inventive products are introduced to supermarket shelves nationwide.  Brands are constantly seeking ways to create a product that can simplify everyday tasks while standing apart from the competition. This is precisely what Product of the Year USA recognizes," said Colleen Kelly, Managing Director, Product of the Year USA. "We are honored to be exclusively partnering with PARADE to reveal next year's Product of the Year winners.  Through America's votes, Product of the Year will once again distinguish a year of products that deserve the coveted red seal."

"Product of the Year puts consumers in the driver's seat, letting them celebrate the innovations in the brands they love or have just discovered," said PARADE Editor Maggie Murphy. "It's a fantastic snapshot of what's informing American habits and households. That's why it'll be a great new franchise for PARADE."

U.S. shoppers will soon be called upon to vote and select a new generation of winners who will earn the POY endorsement in their product category in early 2013.  Eligible products must enter by July 31st and demonstrate innovation. To enter a product and for more information, please visit www.productoftheyearusa.com or call 212-213-0600.

About PARADE

PARADE, the most widely read magazine in America, has a circulation of 33 million through its distribution in more than 640 of the nation's finest newspapers, and a readership of 63 million each week.  Its content is carried on 500 newspaper websites---the single most trusted and most visited source of local news and information---and reaches an online audience of 50 million. For more information, go to www.PARADE.com.   

About Product of the Year:

Product of the Year is the largest consumer product award that rewards innovation and is voted on by real consumers. Established 25 years ago in France, POY currently operates in 32 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 50,000 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.

SOURCE Product of the Year