Last Year's Winners

Product: Kipster Eggs

Retailer: Lidl (Netherlands)

Suppliers: Kipster

The judges said: Lidl Netherlands describes Kipster eggs as the most ‘environmentally friendly eggs in the world’, with the product available exclusively at Lidl since October 2017. At Kipster, the focus is 100% on sustainability: the well-being of the chickens, the impact of the barn on the environment (the roof features more than 1,000 solar panels, to keep baby chicks warm), and the feed, sourced from leftovers from local bakeries.

Product: SPAR Tripel with Pine

Retailer: SPAR Holding B.V. (Netherlands)

Suppliers: Brouwerij ‘t Meuleneind

The judges said: The judges described the product as “very tasty”, appreciating the “small batch” approach taken by SPAR in developing this niche product. Another judge described the flavour as “smooth, with a refreshing hint of pine,” while another suggested that the retailer should do more on pack to communicate the qualities of what is a “very impressive” product.

Product: Chef Select To Go – Juice/Smoothie Range

Retailer: Lidl (Netherlands)

Suppliers: Fruit Industry

The judges said: The judges said that the range boasts a “very good price-value ratio”, a “refreshing taste” and an “adventurous” range of flavours. The orange juice, in particular, was commended for its “excellent” taste balance.

Product: Vegetable Chips

Retailer: SPAR International

Suppliers: Van Marcke Foods

The judges said: The judges praised the “pleasant taste and texture” of the product, awarding it high marks for its appearance and point of differentiation. In a category that sees a lot of innovation each year, it is rare to see a product launch that is “truly different”, and SPAR International should be commended for “trying something new”.

Product: Lidl Delicieux Red Beet/Cauliflower Pizza Bases

Retailer: Lidl (Netherlands)

Suppliers: Conveni

The judges said: The judges said that Lidl has developed a “really interesting concept” with the vegetable-based pizza bases, adding that this would “really appeal” to those who are looking to get more vegetables into their diet. They praised the eye-catching visual impact of the red-beet pizza crust, in particular, saying that it would “look good on social media”.

Product: Free Cream Cheese

Retailer: Penny Italia

Suppliers: Bustaffa

The judges said: The taste was the real standout attribute of this product, with judges hailing its “creamy texture”, adding that there is “no difference” between this lactose-free variety and traditional, dairy-based cream cheese products. The product successfully taps into consumer demand for free-from products that meet (or exceed) the same quality and taste criteria as those of regular brands, they said.

Product: Freshly Frozen Pineapple, Carrot & Ginger Smoothie

Retailer: Dunnes Stores (Ireland)

Suppliers: Boylan’s

The judges said: The judges said that this product was “beautifully packaged”, with the resealable element of the packaging increasing the convenience factor. They described it as a “really interesting concept” and “ideal” for consumers looking for convenient, healthy options.

Product: Coop GP Street Food Salmon Teriyaki

Retailer: Coop Norge SA (Norway)

Suppliers: Coast Seafood

The judges said: The judges said that this product boasts a “fresh, well-balanced flavour,” with the teriyaki glaze complementing the fish perfectly. The judges also praised the “contemporary” street food-style packaging design and the ease of preparation.

Product: ICA Skona Naturlig

Retailer: ICA (Sweden)

Suppliers: Nopa Nordic A/S

The judges said: The judges said that the ICA Skona Naturlig range boasts “impressive” environmental credentials and is presented in packaging that “conveys the natural identity” of the products. With consumers striving to make more responsible purchases, the range “exceeds expectations” in terms of sustainability.

Product: Conad Baby Natural Bath and Hair Ultra-Delicate

Retailer: Conad Soc.Coop (Italy)

Suppliers: Co.ind s.c.

The judges said: The judges said that the Conad Baby Natural range is “attractively packaged” and creates a distinct “brand identity” within the Conad private-label offering. It is “ideal” for shoppers who want to make more sustainable choices when purchasing baby products.

Product: Real Premium Cat Food

Retailer: Real GmbH (Germany)

Suppliers: Real/Yellow Dress Retail

The judges said: The judges said that the range stands out from other products in the category, thanks to the “sleek design” of the packaging, as well as the “simple instructions” and colour-coding to indicate the different variants. The product was also praised for tapping into demand for premium pet food options.

Product: Simply Better Irish Handmade Belgian Hot Chocolate Swirl Stick

Retailer: Dunnes Stores (Ireland)

Suppliers: Áine’s Handmade Chocolates

The judges said: The judges praised the “novelty factor” of this “fun” product, saying that it offers a “point of difference” in a category in which innovation tends to trod the same path time and again. The texture and flavour of the drink itself was described as “warm, creamy and delicious”.