Choosing the winners

Now it’s time for consumers to have their say – and they make their voice heard through the largest consumer survey of its type in the UK. Conducted by leading market information group, TNS, the research is unique in its intention as well as its size. It is the first consumer research exercise which specifically asks the consumer about the appeal and interest of new products currently available to them.

Demonstrating integrity
The independence of TNS gives the process an integrity that underpins the awards – and by liaising closely with its European partners who already work with Product of the Year in Spain and France, TNS ensures the UK award is as valid as it is on the continent. 

Completing the questionnaire
More than 12,000 households will be sent an online self-completion survey which includes colour photos of all the products in each category with an explanation of what they are used for and why they are innovative. The consumer then has three to four weeks to complete a questionnaire.

Processing the results
Respondents are asked to choose the most appealing innovation per category, state whether they have ever used the product and if so, whether the product actually delivered the claimed innovation. The incentive of a prize draw has helped deliver response rates of over 60%. A system developed in France ensures that greater weight is given to votes cast by people who have actually tried the products.

And the result? By the end of the process consumers across the UK will have chosen the Product of the Year – and the winners will be announced on our awards night.