NEW YORK CITY – Nielsen announced this week the 2016 U.S. Nielsen Breakthrough Innovation Award winners, which recognize America’s “unsung household heroes.”
In today’s tech-obsessed society, Nielsen believes that it’s important to recognize the impact everyday household consumer packaged goods (CPG) have on the quality of consumers’ daily lives and rituals.
“Celebration of innovation should not be limited to just the technology space,” said Rob Wengel, principal at The Cambridge Group, leader of strategic innovation at Nielsen and co-author of the U.S. Breakthrough Innovation Report, in a press release. “Consumer goods innovations bring improvements to our essential day-to-day experiences and rituals, from the time we wake up to the time we go to sleep.”
This year’s Breakthrough Innovation Award process reviewed close to 3,500 consumer products that were introduced to the market in 2014 and selected 18 for distinctiveness, relevance and endurance to earn the award.
The winners are:
- Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal, Church & Dwight Co. Inc.
- Bai, Bai Brands
- Ben & Jerry’s Cores, Unilever
- Breyers Gelato Indulgences, Unilever
- Butterfinger Peanut Butter Cups, Nestlé
- Cheez-It Grooves, Kellogg’s
- Chilli’s At Home, Bellisio Foods
- Chobani Flip, Chobani
- Chopped Salad Kits, Dole
- Gain Flings, Proctor & Gamble
- Giovanni Rana, Rana Meals Solutions LLC
- Glade Wax Melts and Warmers, SC Johnson
- Milk-Bone Brushing Chews, Big Heart Pet Brands
- Nasacort Allergy 24 HR, Chattem
- Nexium 24 HR, Pfizer
- P3, Oscar Mayer
- Sally Hansen Miracle Gel, Coty Inc.
- Skinny Pop Popcorn, Amplify Snack Brands
“Achieving innovation success in this highly competitive space is no easy task,” said Wengel. “Breakthrough Innovation enriches people’s lives and stimulates economic growth. Lessons from this year’s winners show that with a deep understanding of people and their needs, and a lot of hard work, breakthrough success is available to any company of any size in any category.”