The Most Innovative Products of 2012, Now Chosen by Consumers in the UAE!

DUBAI, UAE, March 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

The "Voted Product of the Year" label, renowned worldwide, across 36 countries, has finally been launched in the UAE to help local shoppers find the most innovative new products on-shelf. The winners of the very first Product of the Year Award were unveiled to the United Arab Emirates public on March 6th, 2012.

     (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20120328/PIV522994-a )
     (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20120328/PIV522994-b )

Product of the Year is an independent and prestigious award that recognizes excellence in quality and innovation in the fast moving consumer goods sector, and is voted for by consumers themselves through a national survey conducted by TNS, the world's largest custom research agency. 800 consumers in the UAE have voted for the most innovative products, in 16 categories, ranging from food and beverage, to beauty and personal care as well as consumer appliances.

The winners of the first UAE 2012 edition will have the opportunity to use the Product Of the Year logo for a period of one year, an affirmation of consumers' endorsement. The winners in their respective categories are: Philips AirFryer (Kitchen Appliances); Braun Sil-épil - Dual Epilator (Hair Removal Solutions); Rowenta Curl Activ (Hair Appliances); Philips SensoTouch 3D (Male Grooming); Persil Gel (Laundrycare); L'Oreal Paris Excellence (Hair Coloration); Nivea Deodorant Invisible for Black and White Men (Deodorants For Men) . Nivea Deodorant Invisible for Black and White Women (Deodorants For Women); Dove Nourishing Oil Care (Haircare); Nivea Natural Fairness Body Lotion (Bodycare); L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Total Repair 10 (Facecare); La Vache Qui Rit Flavors (Cheese); Al Ain Rose Milk (Flavoured Milk); Al Ain Morning Yoghurt Drink - Blackberry & Apple (Functional Drink); Al Ain Lemon Mint (Fresh Juice); London Dairy Hazelnut Ice Cream Stick (Ice Cream).

After 25 years of worldwide activity in over 35 countries, the 2012 UAE edition of Product of the Year is the very first one in the GCC region and marks the start of a trend that has been at the heart of the fast moving consumer goods industry in Europe and the Americas for many years now: that of recognizing and encouraging marketing innovation as being the main driver of excellence, healthy competition and profitability.

"Product of the Year is not only an award or a celebration; it is first and foremost a survey, a study that lets you know where your product stands on the market compared to its competitive set according to the consumers themselves. It is all about people's votes and consumers' insight. Product of the Year's survey is the people's voice" stated Mr. Dory Kfoury, CEO of Product of the year for the Middle East and North Africa.

The Product of The Year UAE initiative is supported by the Dubai Chamber, the International Advertising Association, The International Business Women's Group, the American University of Sharjah, The Institute of Management Technology and the French Business Council. Product of the Year Middle East has also teamed with its media partners to promote the Product of the Year logo to consumers. Al Bayan, Ara Magazine, Emarat el Youm, Integral Shopper and TNS, are offering the Product of the Year UAE winners valuable prizes, allowing them to leverage the logo across different media touchpoints.

The Product of the Year UAE 2012 edition will be followed in 2013 by a GCC-wide Product of The Year Award and in many more countries in the Middle East and North Africa, as part of an aggressive expansion plan.

For more information and interview requests, please contact:
Carla El Saghir, Gulf Area Manager
Product of the Year Middle East, Dubai Media City
Tel:     +971(0)508850581
Email:   info@productoftheyearme.com, celsaghir@productoftheyearme.com

Website:  http://www.productoftheyearme.com