Product of the Year Awards: 32 Consumer Favourites Revealed
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.
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.
