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Product of the Year Awards: 32 Consumer Favourites Revealed

Product of the Year 2025 Winners

South African consumers have once again cast their vote. And, the results amalgamated at the Product of the Year 2025 Award Ceremony in Johannesburg. This is the country’s most comprehensive independent product survey, aiming to reveal the best of the best on the market.

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What is Product of the Year?

Product of the Year is the world’s largest consumer-voted award for product innovation. It operates in over 43 countries for more than 30 years. In South Africa, 2000 consumers voted in a Kantar-conducted survey, which is how the winners were chosen. Therefore, each winner earns their place based on real consumer opinion.

Chief Executive Officer of Kantar South Africa, Ivan Moroke, said: “The 2025 research highlighted one key insight—South African consumers value relevance and functionality, especially in times of economic uncertainty. Therefore, this year’s winners reflect not only innovation but also a deep understanding of what people genuinely need.”

Therefore, the survey was sure to ask questions around appeal, relevance, uniqueness, satisfaction, innovation and value for money. Additionally, the categories within the survey span from personal care to finance, with 32 categories overall.

Subsequently, Mike Nolan, Global CEO of Product of the Year, said: “We’re seeing incredible growth and momentum in South Africa. The programme’s ability to welcome entries across all industries—FMCG, services, tech, financial and more—demonstrates its relevance in today’s market. Additionally, a Product of the Year win offers local and international credibility and helps brands stand out in an increasingly cluttered space.”

Why Product of the Year Matters?

In a market that is cluttered with various products that serve the same purpose, consumers often feel overwhelmed. Therefore, Product of the Year enables customers to engage in conversation with one another, seeing who recommends what and why. Consequently, those who win Product of the Year may use the organisation’s logo on their products and marketing for one year, showcasing to consumers they were voted as the best.

Edith Venter, General Manager of Product of the Year South Africa, said: “As South African shoppers continue to tighten their belts and juggle daily expenses, the peace of mind that they are spending wisely on products that are recognised and endorsed by their fellow consumers is priceless. Whether it’s a reimagined heritage product or a brand-new entry to market, these products all share one thing: they connect with consumers in ways that matter. Thus, the Product of the Year seal is a mark of trust, backed by solid research and consumer endorsement.”

Furthermore, 75% of consumers have told Product of the Year that they are more likely to try a product with their logo. Subsequently, this was corroborated when past winners reported increased brand visibility, trust and sales performance.

The 2025 Product of the Year Winners

Category

Product Name

Brand/Manufacturer

Award Type

Baby Pants

Clicks Made 4 Baby Pants Size 3 Midi

Clicks

Heritage

Banking – General

Standard Bank ACHIEVA

Standard Bank

Standard

Cakes

Chateau Gateaux

Chateau Gateaux

Standard

Curry Powder

Rajah Curry Powder

Unilever

Heritage

Diapers – Adult

Grand Masters Adult Diapers

Lil Masters

Standard

Diapers – Baby

Cuddlers Gold Disposable Nappies

National Pride

Heritage

Face Cream

Clicks SUNprotect Anti-Ageing SPF50 Face Cream

Clicks

Heritage

Food Spices

Robertsons – Chicken Spice/BBQ/Steak & Chops

Unilever

Heritage

Fruit Juice

100% Pressed Fruit Juice Blend

Spar Encore

Standard

Funeral Planning

Standard Bank Flexible Funeral Plan

Standard Bank

Standard

Health – Child

Panado Infant Drops

Adcock Ingram

Heritage

Health Care

Osteoeze Gold Once A Day Powder

Nativa

Standard

Hygiene – Men’s Deodorant

Dove Men+Care Full Range

Unilever

Standard

Hygiene – Women’s Deodorant

Even Tone Roll On / Deodorant

AMKA

Standard

Hygiene – Women’s Shower

Fresh Glow Shower Crème

AMKA

Standard

Investments

Standard Bank Tax Free Call Investment Account

Standard Bank

Heritage

Lip Gloss

Smudge Lip Plumper: Plum / Pearl

Smudge

Standard

Mascara

Smudge – Full range

Smudge

Standard

Nicotine Pouches

VELO Nicotine Pouches

BAT

Standard

Pain Relief – Adult

Panado Effervescent

Adcock Ingram

Heritage

Ready to Drink Spirit Cooler – Rum

Malibu Ready to Drink Spirit Cooler

Pernod Ricard

Standard

Ready to Drink Spirit Cooler – Vodka

Absolut Cocktail Spirit Cooler Range

Pernod Ricard

Standard

Ready to Eat – Mince

Knorrox Soya Mince

Unilever

Heritage

Smoothing Serums

Sorbet Smoothing 10% AHA + BHA Serum

Sorbet

Heritage

Soap

Lifebuoy with Multivitamins

Unilever

Heritage

Soup

Knorrox Low Economy Soup

Unilever

Heritage

Sparkling Wine Cocktails

Cheeky Cocktails Mimosa

Black Vulture Beverage

Standard

Stock Cubes

Knorrox Stock Cubes

Unilever

Heritage

Student Loans

Standard Bank Student Loan

Standard Bank

Standard

Vapes

Vuse Go Reload 1000

BAT

Standard

Wet Wipes

Clicks My Earth Flushable Eco Wipes

Clicks

Heritage

Youth Bank Accounts

Standard Bank MyMo Account

Standard Bank

Standard

Source: Product of the Year

So, if you have been scaling the shelves looking for the best products, look no further. The 2025 Product of the Year Awards have asked fellow consumers their opinions and brought the results to your doorstep.

Images: Supplied

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