Mirage, Dubai.
Nielsen IQ, the world-wide leader in consumer research, conducted a regional survey across the six GCC markets with over 4,500 shoppers to determine the most innovative brands. In this year’s edition, 44 products and services were rewarded with the iconic red logo for their uniqueness and innovation within their categories.
Despite the ongoing challenges of today’s economy, companies across the region continue to prioritize innovation to adapt to the latest market trends and consumers’ needs. Successful leaders have followed a disciplined approach backed by strong research to navigate through these challenging times and attract young consumers who prioritize digitalization and sustainability.
With a history of 35 years, a presence in 44 countries, and a continuous expansion into new markets, POY has been recognizing brands for being at the forefront of innovation, and putting forward products that resonate best with consumers through their offerings.
This year’s theme, “Innovations, Essential source of Growth” reflects the crucial role of innovation to continuously fuel brands’ expansion and development.
Philippe Gelder, President & CEO of POY Worldwide, commented: “Overall, innovation can be hindered by inflation, but companies and organizations that are able to adapt and find ways to continue investing in research and development can still be successful in a challenging economic environment. This is key, the market share gained in those times are essential for the future and considering the decreased amount of innovation you can stand out and gain market share at a lower price, with lower investments”.
Dory Kfoury, CEO of POY Middle East, said: “It has been a great year marked by many innovations that aim to enhance consumers’ experiences through improved products and services. We are thrilled to see more products that focus on sustainability and practicality to try to be better for the world, and to make consumers’ everyday lives a little bit easier.”
| Category | Product Name | Company Name |
| Potato Chips | Lay’s Gourmet | PepsiCo, Middle East Business Unit |
| Chocolate | Hershey’s Cocoa Creations | Hershey Trading GMBH ME |
| Kids Powder Milk | S-26 Kids | Nestle Middle East FZE |
| Acne Control | Neutrogena Spot Controlling + | Johnson & Johnson |
| Batteries | Duracell Optimum | Duracell Middle East DMCC |
| Nasal Spray | Vicks First Defence | Procter & Gamble Middle East FZE |
| Coffee Machine | Beko Telve Duo Turkish Coffee Machine | Beko Gulf FZE |
| Cheese | President Natural Cheese Slices | Lactalis International |
| Ethnic Drinks | Hayatna Ethnic Range | National Dairy |
| Rice | Shehrazade Basmati Rice | Foodco National Foodstuff PJSC |
| Credit Cards UAE | Emirates NBD Visa Etihad Guest cobranded credit cards | Emirates NBD |
| Credit Cards KSA | Sabb World Elite Exclusive Mastercard Credit Card | The Saudi British Bank SABB |
| Engine Care | TotalEnergies Quartz 9000 | TotalEnergies Marketing UAE |
| Energy Drinks | Rockstar Energy Drink | PepsiCo, Middle East Business Unit |
| Air Freshener | Glade Air Freshener Spray | Saudi Johnson Co. Ltd |
| Arabic Coffee | Aseela Instant Saudi Coffee | Ahmed Mohamed Saleh Baeshen & Co |
| Cooking Sauces | Goody Authentic Cooking Sauces | Goody Co. |
| Condiment | Freshco Mayonnaise | Abbar & Sons Food Co. Ltd. |
| Cookware | Pyrex Cook & Store | International Cookware |
| Margarine | Nawar Light Margarine | United Foods Company |
| Ready To Eat | Virginia Meal On The Go | Foodco National Foodstuff PJSC |
| Home Baking | Hershey’s Baking Chocolate Chips | Hershey Trading GMBH ME |
| Biscuit | Nutella Biscuits | Fergulf Trading UAE L.L.C |
| Frozen Potato | Lamb Weston Frozen Potato Products | Lamb Weston Meijer |
| Meal On The Go | Delektia International Cuisine | Delektia Food LLC |
| White Goods | Beko Recycled (Sustainability) Range | Beko Gulf FZE |
| Dishwashing | Jif Dishwash | Unilever Gulf FZE |
| Plant Based Drinks | Santal Plant Based Drinks | Lactalis International |
| Peanut Butter | Goody Natural Peanut Butter | Goody Co. |
| Pour Over Coffee | Cofique Pour Over Coffee | Goody Co. |
| Insect Repellent | Raid Multi-Insect Killer Odorless | Saudi Johnson Co. LTd |
| Pet Health | Nestle Pro Plan Live Clear | Nestlé Middle East FZE |
| Glue | Pattex Super Glue Control | Henkel Jebel Ali FZCO |
| Outdoor Storage | Cosmoplast Outdoor Storage Collection | Cosmoplast Industrial Co.LLC. |
| Controlled Environment Agriculture | Pure Harvest Fruits & Vegetables | Pure Harvest Smart Farms LTD |
| Hair Mask | Vatika Fruitamin Smoothie Hair Masks | Dabur International Limited |
| Babycare | Pigeon Natural Botanical Skincare Range | Pigeon Middle East LLC |
| Poultry | Tanmiah Fresh Chicken Bag | Tanmiah Food Company |
| Condiment | Hellmann’S Dressings | Unilever FZE |
| Green Beverages | Green Cola | Green Cola Middle East FZCO |
| Moisturizers | Johnson’s Skin Balance | Johnson & Johnson Middle East |
| Pet Food | Nestle Purina One | Nestlé Middle East FZE |
| Home Cleaning | Jif Hygienic Foam Spray | Unilever Gulf FZE |
| Soft Drinks | Pepsi Max | PepsiCo, Middle East Business Unit |
About “Product of the Year”:
“Product of the Year” is the world’s largest consumer-voted award for product innovation. Established over 35 years ago, the awards recognize the most innovative products in various categories, as voted by consumers across the globe. The award aims to guide consumers to the best products in their market, and to reward manufacturers for quality and innovation
