Canadian Consumers Seek Innovation on Grocery Shelves

Finalists Named for Grand Prix New Product Awards

TORONTO, April 29 /CNW/ - You're not supposed to go grocery shopping when you're hungry. Yet grocery consumers are exactly that - hungry for products that stand out from the crowd says Michelle Scott of the Canadian Council of Grocery Distributors (CCGD). "The grocery list is just a starting point," says Scott. "Consumer research tells us that a significant number of grocery shoppers take the time to browse, and that 70% like trying new and interesting items."

Consumers vote for these innovative products every day through their purchases - and CCGD recognizes them every year through the Canadian Grand Prix New Product Awards(TM). In fact, in a recent review of trends in consumer goods, The Nielsen Company stated that in today's Canadian marketplace, "winning brands will innovate and differentiate". The finalists in the Canadian Grand Prix New Product Awards(TM) demonstrate those qualities.

This is the 17th year for the CCGD awards program, which recognizes the top grocery product newcomers across 25 food, non-food and private label product categories. The winners, to emerge from the finalists announced today, will be revealed at a gala banquet on May 31 at the National Grocery Conference in Halifax, presented by CCGD and Food and Consumer Products of Canada.

A 32-member jury made up of consumers, food editors, journalists, advertising executives, packaging designers and CCGD distributor members evaluates all entries in the Canadian Grand Prix New Product Awards(TM).

In February, the panel gathered at the Institut de tourisme et d'hôtellerie du Québec in Montreal to evaluate the food and private label products. The judges assess non-food products at home over six weeks.

Each entry is graded on five criteria: uniqueness and innovation, product characteristics, presentation and packaging, overall consumer value, and consumer acceptance (i.e. the penetration rate of a product in households). To become a Grand Prix finalist, a product must achieve a cumulative average score of at least 70%.

"Every year, the products get better," says Marcus Von Albrecht, who has headed the jury for the competition for nine years, and serves as director of B.C. Chefs Association.

What's in store this year? Von Albrecht noted three themes running through many of the Grand Prix finalists:

    
    -   One, higher end food products that offer "great value for the
        money," enabling consumers to get the dining out experience at eat-in
        prices.

    -   Two, novel and more environmentally sustainable packaging, something
        that is both environmentally-friendly and consumer-friendly.

    -   Three, innovative flavours and cooking techniques.
    

"The range of this year's Grand Prix finalists demonstrates the grocery industry's commitment to innovation, and to exceeding consumers' ever evolving expectations," says Scott.

Products introduced between January 1 and December 31, 2009 were eligible to enter the 2009 Canadian Grand Prix New Product Awards(TM). The awards program is open to manufacturers and distributors of all sizes.

The finalists and winners can use the Grand Prix Award logo on their packaging for two years. Winners gain additional profile through retailer support via flyers and shelf talkers. In addition, beginning this year through a partnership with Canadian Family Magazine, all 2009 Grand Prix Finalists will also be included in the 2010 Canadian Family Food Awards. This exciting new partnership will enable finalists to gain fresh insights into consumer tastes and trends, and Canadian Family readers will enjoy learning about the newest and most exciting products on Canadian grocery shelves.

View a complete list of Canadian Grand Prix New Product Awards(TM) finalists at www.ccgd.ca.

    
                     2009 Grand Prix Finalists by Company

                                     Food
                                     ----

    A. LASSONDE INC.
    Oasis Health Break Blackcurrant-Elderberry Immuniforce juice blend

    AGROPUR DIVISION NATREL
    Natrel Omega-3 DHA 2% milk beverage
    Québon Ultra'cream Blend of Cream and milk for cooking 5%

    AGROPUR FINE CHEESE DIVISION
    Allégro Probio 7% Soft Ripened Cheese

    AU PAIN DORÉ
    Take-N-Bake

    BENTO NOUVEAU LTD
    Bento Nouveau Express

    BONDUELLE CANADA INC.
    Arctic Gardens STEAMMM! frozen rice and vegetables

    BURNBRAE FARMS LIMITED
    Burnbrae(TM) Farms Free Run Omega 3 Eggs

    CADBURY ADAMS CANADA INC.
    Trident Xtra Care*

    CANADA BREAD COMPANY, LIMITED
    100-Calorie Mini Bagels
    Dempster's(R) Healthy Way(R) with ProCardio recipe(TM)

    CANADA BREAD FROZEN BAKERY LTD
    Smart(TM) by Maison Cousin

    CANGRO FOODS INC.
    Aylmer(R) Gourmet Pasta Sauce

    CEDAR BAY GRILLING COMPANY LIMITED
    Cedar Planked Atlantic Salmon

    COCA-COLA BOTTLING CO. OF CANADA
    Simply Apple(TM)

    CONAGRA FOODS CANADA INC.
    Healthy Choice(R) Gourmet Steamers(TM)
    Orville Redenbacher's(R) Flavoured Mini Bags
    Orville Redenbacher's(R) Select White Popcorn
    VH(R) Thai Market(TM) Sauces

    DANONE INC.
    Activia Probiotic Yogurt
    Danino 8 x 100g
    Silhouette 0+ Limited Edition 12 x 100g

    GENERAL MILLS CANADA CORPORATION
    Nature Valley Sweet & Salty Dark Chocolate Nut

    GROUPE BISCUITS LECLERC INC.
    Praeventia Cookies
    Praeventia Junior Cookies

    GROUPE TOMAPURE INC.
    Tomapure - Fruitpure

    HAPPY PLANET FOODS, INC.
    Happy Planet Natural Sauces

    HIGH LINER FOODS INC.
    Pan-Sear Selects(R)

    HONEY BUNNY INC.
    Bodacious Tomato Ketchup
    Honey Bunny Organic Clover Honey

    JANES FAMILY FOODS LTD.
    Janes* Cracked Black Pepper Chicken Breast Strips
    Janes* Grilled Chicken

    KAMBLY SA SPECIALITES DE BISCUITS SUISSES
    Carré Fondant

    KOZY SHACK ENTERPRISES
    Ready Grains Cereals

    KRAFT CANADA INC.
    Back to Nature
    Thinsations Chocolate Covered Pretzels

    KRAFT FOOD CONFECTIONS
    Toblerone

    LEBEL FOODS INC.
    Double Delight

    LIBERTÉ BRAND PRODUCTS
    Liberté GREEK yogurt

    MAPLE LEAF CONSUMER FOODS INC.
    Maple Leaf Prime Gourmet(TM)

    MARI'S FOODS INC.
    Wafu(R) WASABI EDAMAME Japanese Vinaigrette

    MARS CANADA INC.
    3 Musketeers(R) Mint

    McCAIN FOODS (CANADA)
    McCain Crescendo Rising Crust Pizza
    McCain Purely Potatoes(TM)

    McCORMICK CANADA(R)
    Club House(R) Slow Cookers Soup Seasoning Mixes

    MELITTA CANADA INC.
    Melitta(R) World Harvest(TM) Fair Trade Coffee

    NATURE'S PATH FOODS INC.
    Organic Flax Plus(R) Maple Pecan Crunch

    NESTLÉ CANADA INC.
    Delissio Crispy Flatbread Pizza
    Delissio Garlic Bread Pizza
    Nestlé(R) Noir Mousse Délicate

    NESTLÉ WATERS CANADA
    Sanpellegrino(R) Sparkling Fruit Beverage

    OLIVIERI FOODS LIMITED
    Olivieri Chef's Collection Dips

    OLYMEL L.P.
    Lafleur Authentic Smoked Ham
    Olymel Center cut smoked bacon 500g fresh portion

    OMSTEAD FOODS LIMITED
    Blend Ease

    OZERY'S PITA BREAK
    100 Calorie OneBun

    PARMALAT CANADA
    Astro Original Organic yogourt
    Balderson Heritage Cheese 5 Year Holiday Box
    Black Diamond Funcheez snack cheese
    Lactantia PurFiltre Organic milk

    SAPUTO BAKERY INC.
    Igor(R) Bongo
    Vachon(R) Frozen Desserts - Family size (Capuccino - Triple Chocolate)
    Vachon(R) Frozen Desserts: Single portions (Chocolate Mousse Cake -
    Chocolate Mousses

    SKILCOR FOOD PRODUCTS INC
    Cobblestone Farms Fully Cooked Hand Cut Pork Back Ribs

    SMUCKER FOODS OF CANADA CO.
    Bick's(R) Easy Squeeze Sweet Green Relish
    Europe's Best Imperial Blend
    Europe's Best Sun Ripe Harvest Peaches

    SUMMER FRESH SALADS
    Nickelodeon Snack n go!
    Snack n go Dip & Spread

    SUN-RYPE PRODUCTS LTD.
    Sun-Rype(R) Fruit to Go Crisps(R)
    Sun-Rype(R) Light & Refreshing(TM)

    THE ALLAN CANDY COMPANY LIMITED
    Allan(R) DOPS(TM) Chewy Berry Chocolates

    TMF -THE MEAT FACTORY LTD.
    Lou's Quick-N-Easy

    TOYO IMPORTING CO. LTD.
    Carotino Red Palm & Canola Oil

    TREE OF LIFE CANADA INC.
    Mareblu Naturals

    ULTIMA FOODS INC.
    Yoplait Asana(TM)

    UNILEVER CANADA
    Breyers Double Churn
    Popsicle Slow Melt

    VIVO HEALTH FOOD COMPANY LTD
    earthsown Almond Fresh

    VOORTMAN COOKIES LIMITED
    Dark Chocolate Omega 3 Flax Seed Cookie

    WESTON BAKERIES LIMITED
    Gadoua Multigo white with 14 Whole Grains
    Wonder+ Invisibles White with 14 Whole grains Bread

    WONG WING, A DIVISION OF McCAIN FOODS LIMITED
    Oriental Dumplings 536 g

    WRIGLEY CANADA
    Excel(TM) Mints

                                   Non-Food
                                   --------

    C. B. POWELL LIMITED
    Reynolds Wrap 100% Recycled Aluminum Foil

    CADBURY ADAMS CANADA INC.
    HALLS Refresh

    CHURCH & DWIGHT CANADA CORP.
    Arm & Hammer(R) Pro Clean Sonic Battery Toothbrush

    DIZOLVE GROUP CORPORATION
    Dizolve(TM) Laundry Detergent Sheets

    DLM FOODS CANADA CORP.
    Milk-Bone* Advanced Health* Long Lasting Chew

    GROUPE SEB CANADA INC./NESTLÉ CANADA INC.
    Nescafé Dolce Gusto by Krups

    H.J. HEINZ COMPANY OF CANADA LTD
    Heinz Baby Cereal
    Heinz Biscuits

    IRVING CONSUMER PRODUCTS
    Majesta(R) Bathroom Tissue

    KIMBERLY-CLARK INC.
    HUGGIES* Pure & Natural Disposable Diapers

    KRUGER PRODUCTS L.P.
    Purex Ultra
    Scotties EnviroCare
    SpongeTowels(R) Pink Ultra Full Sheet

    MELITTA CANADA INC.
    Melitta(R) All Natural Bamboo Coffee Filters

    NESTLÉ PURINA PETCARE
    Purina(R) Friskies Party Mix(R) Cat Treats

    PROCTER & GAMBLE INC.
    Bounce(R) Dryer Bar
    Bounty(R) Paper Towel
    Clearblue(R) Digital Pregnancy Test with Conception Indicator
    Febreze(R) Destination Collection
    Febreze(R) Home Collection
    Gillette(R) Style Power Gel
    Olay(R) Professional Pro-X Anti-Aging Starter Protocol
    PROCTER & GAMBLE INC (continued)
    Olay(R) Quench Advanced Relief Body Lotion
    Oral-B(R) Pulsonic(TM)
    Pantene Nature Fusion(TM)
    Tide(R) Compact
    Tide(R) Stain Release(TM) in-wash booster

    PURITY LIFE HEALTH PRODUCTS A DIVISION OF SUNOPTA
    Herbon(R) RockHoppers(TM)
    Vivitas Woman(TM) Mom to Be(TM)

    RECKITT BENCKISER CANADA INC.
    Air Wick(R) I-Motion(TM) Scented Oil Starter Kit
    Finish Quantum Dishwasher Detergent
    Resolve Bright & White by Spray 'n Wash

    S. C. JOHNSON AND SON, LIMITED
    Glade(R) Sense & Spray(TM)
    Pledge(R) Fabric Sweeper for Pet Hair
    Pledge(R) Multisurface Aerosol
    The Fragrance Collection by Glade(R)
    Ziploc(R) Brand Evolve(TM) Sandwich Bags

    SOLO CUP CANADA
    Bare(TM) by Solo(R) eco-forward(TM) plates/cups

    THE CLOROX COMPANY OF CANADA, LTD.
    Green Works(R) Natural Compostable Cleaning Wipes
    Green Works(R) Natural Laundry Detergent

    THE SUN PRODUCTS CANADA CORPORATION
    Sunlight(R) Green Clean Laundry Detergent

    UNILEVER CANADA
    AXE Dark Temptation
    Dove(R) go fresh Burst Body Wash
    Vaseline Sheer Infusion(TM)

                                Private Label
                                -------------

    CANADA SAFEWAY LIMITED
    Eating Right Kids Frozen Dairy Dessert Cups
    Eating Right Kids Whole Wheat Bug-Shaped Pasta
    Eating Right Omega-3 Large Eggs
    Eating Right Stuffed Chicken Breasts
    Eating Right Wild Pacific Salmon Burgers
    Lucerne Coffee Creamers
    O Organics Wide Pan Bread Ancient Grain with Spelt
    Waterfront Bistro Top Crusted Salmon Fillets

    LOBLAW BRANDS LIMITED
    "PC Blue Menu Thins" Buns
    MSC Certified PC Blue Menu Wild Argentinian Scallops
    PC Blue Menu Entrées
    PC Blue Menu Kettle Cooked Potato Chips
    PC Mocktails
    PC Yogurt Dressings

    METRO RICHELIEU INC.
    Irresistibles Aged balsamic Vinegar of Modena
    Irresistibles Frozen Yogurt Mini Bars - Probiotic - 90 Calories
    Irresistibles Ice Cream Log Dulce de Leche
    Irresistibles Life Smart Atlantic Salmon Burgers
    Irresistibles Life Smart Mini Crackers
    Irresistibles Life Smart Probiotic cottage cheese with prebiotic fibre
    Irresistibles Life Smart skinless herb chicken
    Irresistibles Life Smart Special blend of vegetables
    Irresistibles Phyllo Quiches
    Selection Eco Automatic dishwasher tabs

    SOBEYS INC.
    Compliments Balance Chilled Meals
    Compliments Mini Artisan Breads
    Compliments Sensations Gelato
    Compliments Sensations Naan
    Fully Baked Rolls, Freezer-To-Oven
    La Fondue
    Ready-To-Bake Viennoiseries - 100% Butter

    WALMART CANADA
    WalMart Ready to eat oven roasted chicken breast strips
    

For further information: Krista Pawley, Vice President Communications at [email protected] or [phone] ext 323