Innovative Product and Package are a Sparkling Choice for Health-Conscious Consumers
The 2019 Consumer Survey of Product Innovation has voted Strongbow® 100 Cal Slim Cans Product of the Year in the Alcoholic Beverage category, in a competition that surveys 40,000 shoppers to determine the winners in each category. The survey is the largest consumer voted award for product innovation and puts Strongbow® Hard Ciders in a prestigious roster of past winners. The Kantar TNS research is 100% independent consumer validated by a robust analysis of seven innovation performance metrics.
Launched nationally in January 2019, Strongbow® 100 Cal Slim Cans are a 12-can variety pack with three 8.5 oz. easy-to-drink flavors containing just 100 calories each. The innovative product and packaging are positioned at the intersection of the growing hard cider (+6.8%), canned wine (+290% CAGR), and hard seltzer (+199%) categories to offer a crisp alternative that will appeal to the growing enthusiasm for wellbeing and light refreshment. The variety pack contains Strongbow’s newest flavor, Dry Pear (Pear Secco), along with the fast-selling Rosé Apple and the ever-popular Original Dry. The 100 Cal Slim Cans aim to source sales from Millennial consumers, 70% of whom are cutting calories from their beverage choices.[1]
“We are honored that shoppers have chosen Strongbow® 100 CAL Slim Cans as Product of the Year for Consumer Innovation in the Alcoholic Beverage category,” says Reggie Gustave, Brand Manager for Strongbow Hard Ciders. “We can think of no higher praise for our efforts at innovation than to be recognized by shoppers who buy Strongbow® Hard Ciders and who appreciate the taste, refreshment and on-trend wellness focus that the 100 Cal Slim Cans provide,” Reggie continued. “Joining the ranks of past winners who represent some of the most loved consumer products brands in the world is validation that we put the shopper first in the products and packages we bring to market.”
Product of the Year accepts entries every year from consumer packaged goods that demonstrate innovation and were launched within the previous year. Winning products are announced in February and receive the right to use the POY seal in marketing communications for two years. Winners of the award, which includes key measures of product satisfaction and purchase interest, have seen a significant increase in sales from the recognition. According to the Kantar research, winners outpace category sales growth by 38.1%. Additionally, consumers are 36% more likely to believe an ad, and are 44% more interested in purchasing a product, featuring the Product of the Year logo. Strongbow 100 Cal Slim can packaging and point of sale will now feature the Product of the Year logo going forward.
All Strongbow® products contain no artificial flavors or colors.
