Product of the Year is South Africa’s largest independent consumer-voted survey which focuses specifically on product innovation.
On Wednesday, January 26, the 2022 Product of the Year launched on a high note inside the beautiful Hirsch’s Hyde Park store in Johannesburg amid the surprise announcement of Margaret Hirsch (cover picture) as its newest ambassador.
The latest developments comes almost two years after the appointment of Edith Venter Promotions in 2020 to oversee the annual awards convention, which saw them forge a strong, post-pandemic brand, underpinned by what has been described as a wonderful relationship with Margaret Hirsch. “There is no one better to be an ambassador for Product of the Year. Margaret is a brand herself, and she’s passionate about the consumer goods industry,” Venter said.
In a consumer-driven world of customer service with hundreds of thousands of products and competing brands, it is important now than ever before for brands to ensure they stay ahead of the curve and remain at the forefront of innovation.
Likewise, Hirsch’s 43 years of experience working with some of the best brands locally and internationally will sure come I’m handy, ensuring that the awards not only stays relevant post-pandemic, but also inspire brands to continue to provide sustainable, competitive advantage to help satisfy customers’ needs.
“As a business owner myself, we are always looking for the best brands that provide a sustainable competitive advantage to help satisfy our customer’s needs and instill a sense of trust that grows consumer confidence in the business,” Margaret was quoted as saying in a press statement.
2021/2022 has no doubt been truly monumental for the award-winning businesswoman, who currently serves as the executive director of the Hirsch’s Group. A proud champion of women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship, in 2021, she stunned everyone as it was announced she’s acquired her MBA, at the age of 70.
For someone of such high calibre leadership, not to mention her admirable level of tenacity, at NOWinSA we can’t wait to see what Product for the Year Awards 2022 has in store for us.
Product of the Year; forging ahead to a stronger, brighter 2022 with Margaret Hirsch
Established in France in 1987, Product of the Year currently operates in over 40 countries, Product of the Year is primarily focused on guiding consumers to the best products in their market and reward manufacturers for quality and innovation.
With South Africa essentially an emerging market, organisers are seeing consistent engagement from market leaders as well as challenger brands.
While 2021 proved to be an exceptionally difficult year given the challenges brought by Covid-19, Mike Nolan, CEO of Product of the Year said 2022 is considerably a brighter, more exciting time for product manufacturers to enter and showcase their innovations.
“As vaccination roll out increases and the workplace begins to normalise, we do hope that the flow of entries for 2022 will be strong. We do feel that Product of the Year will emerge as a strong platform for brands to be able to showcase their innovations, and make sure they remain relevant in the marketplace especially in these trying times,” added Venter
For more info on this year’s awards, visit www.productoftheyear.co.za.
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