• April 21, 2009

Consumer packaged goods companies are invited to enter the second annual Product of the Year competition in the U.S.

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

Winners of the 2009 POY included Procter & Gamble, Unilever, Dr Pepper Snapple, Duracell, Oust, Pantene, Olay, Zyrtec and CoverGirl.

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.

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.

Internationally, the Product of the Year logo has resulted in average sales increases of 10-15% for winning products. Now in its 23rd year and in 28 countries globally, POY made its debut in the U.S., India and South Africa in 2008, and is also launching this year in Canada, Australia, and Japan. --Nina Lentini