Poysa Announces 2025 Product OF The Year Winners

"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," says Edith Venter, General Manager of Product of the Year South Africa. "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. The Product of the Year seal is a mark of trust, backed by solid research and consumer endorsement."

Among the highlights of 2025 is the introduction of a refreshed Product of the Year logo, a modernised design that reinforces the brand's promise of quality, innovation and consumer backing. The new logo will appear on packaging, advertising and marketing materials for all 2025 winners, providing instant recognition on shelves and screens, says POYSA. 

This year's entries included a wide range of innovations launched between Sunday, 1 January 2023 and Tuesday, 31 December 2024, as well as Heritage products — longstanding favourites that continue to adapt to evolving consumer needs. POYSA says all entrants were judged on innovation in one or more of the following areas: function, design, packaging, or ingredients.

Mike Nolan, Global CEO of Product of the Year, says, "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. A Product of the Year win offers local and international credibility and helps brands stand out in an increasingly cluttered space."

For brands, earning the Product of the Year title isn't just a badge of honour, it's a proven accelerator of trust, visibility and consumer engagement. For consumers, it's a shortcut to quality and innovation in a cluttered market. As the 2025 winners celebrate their achievement, the Product of the Year seal continues to signal one thing clearly: this is a product South Africans believe in, adds the awards. 

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

POYSA concludes that entries for the 2026 Product of the Year Awards will be accepted from September 2025.

For more information, visit www.productoftheyear.co.za. 

*Image courtesy of contributor