The awards were held on Thursday, 28 May at Luxx Venue in Sandhurst, bringing together leading brands and industry guests for an evening celebrating consumer choice and the products South Africans trust, says the awards.

Winners were selected through an independent, nationally representative study conducted by research partner Kantar, with 2 600 South African consumers evaluating products across key measures including appeal, relevance, uniqueness, satisfaction and purchase interest.

"As the programme continues to grow, it is a clear signal that brands recognise the value of consumer choice, and what it can unlock at shelf," says Edith Venter, General Manager of Product of the Year South Africa. "Shopping patterns are evolving. Consumers are not only looking for the cheapest option, but they're also looking for products that deliver real value. The Product of the Year seal is a trusted shortcut at the point of purchase, helping shoppers choose with confidence in a cluttered retail environment."

Mike Nolan, Global CEO of Product of the Year, reinforced the commercial value of the programme, describing Product of the Year as "a hugely important tool" in the marketing toolbox that helps brands build differentiation and competitive advantage, and encouraging winners to actively use the logo to maximise impact, adds the awards.

For brands, earning the Product of the Year title isn't just a badge of honour. It is a proven accelerator of trust, visibility and consumer engagement, backed by the votes of real shoppers. For consumers, it's a short cut to quality and innovation in a cluttered market. As the 2026 winners celebrate their achievement, the Product of the Year seal continues to signal one thing clearly: this is a product South Africans believe in, concludes the awards.

Entries for the 2027 Product of the Year Awards will be accepted from September 2026.

For more information, visit www.productoftheyear.co.za. 

*Image courtesy of contributor