CGT Reveals 2010 Innovation Award Winners

Succeeding in innovation is a rare feat these days and that is why CGT's Innovation Awards once again recognize deserving consumer goods companies for excellence in innovation.The awards were presented at the Consumer Goods Growth & Innovation Forum at the W South Beach in Miami, Fla. last week.

 

The nomination process started in July, when entries in two award categories -- Most Innovative Product and Most Innovative Company -- were collected from consumer goods executives, industry analysts and consultants, and technology providers. These nominations were then narrowed down by CGT's editorial staff based on multiple award criteria, including success realized since launch. A slimmer nomination list was then sent to CGT's Editorial and Research Advisory Boards, which elected one "Winner" and two "Outstanding Achievement" (a.k.a runner-up) recipients in each category.

 

So with the votes tallied, CGT proudly presents the 2010 Innovation Award winners:

 

This award honors the consumer goods industry's most innovative new product launched in 2009/2010.

 

To help people find customized solutions for their tired, achy feet, Merck Consumer Care announced the nationwide availability of Dr. Scholl's Custom Fit Orthotic Centers in June 2010. The kiosks use revolutionary FootMapping Technology developed by Dr. Scholl's scientists and evaluated in five clinical studies. It uses more than 2,000 pressure sensors to measure areas of the foot where the most pressure is applied, arch type and foot length. Based on these criteria, the technology recommends the Dr. Scholl's Custom Fit Orthotic that's best for your feet.

 

Bounce Dryer Bar from P&G -- The Bounce Dryer Bar attaches safely to the inside of your dryer and freshens every load automatically. It also lasts for up to 2 months or 4 months, making it a cost effective option in the long term. Within its first month, the Bounce Dryer Bar accounted for over 10 percent of Bounce retail sales in All Outlet and close to 25 percent of Bounce sales in top customers with distribution.

Sharpie Liquid Pencil from Newell Rubbermaid -- Newell Rubbermaid's Sharpie brand entered the pencil business in August 2010 by revolutionizing the classic, tried and true writing instrument with cutting-edge liquid graphite technology. The Sharpie Liquid Pencil writes like a pen but erases like a pencil and is erasable for up to three days.

 

This award honors the consumer goods company that has continually driven growth through product and/or process innovation in 2009/2010.

 

MooBella is an innovative company whose disruptive technology has the potential to change the $60 billion global ice cream industry. Simply put, the MooBella Ice Creamery is the ATM of ice cream. This revolutionary machine allows consumers to choose from 96 possible combinations through a computer touch screen, and in three easy steps, make their own cup of fresh, hard-scoop ice cream from a menu of two varieties, 12 flavors, and three mix-ins. MooBella's multi-patented design enables instantaneous aeration, freezing and blending. As of July 2010, 30 MooBella machines are serving ice cream in diverse locations, with new machines being added every week.

 

 

Kimberly-Clark Corporation -- Aside from instigating a trend in fashionable diapers with its Huggie's Little Movers Jean Diapers (Pampers quickly followed suit with diapers designed by Cynthia Rowley), the company also boosted its sustainable product line with Huggies Pure & Natural diapers in April 2009. A Huggies MomInspired Grant Program provides 12 inventive moms up to $250,000 total in seed capital and business resources to turn their great ideas into real-world product solutions. In the feminine protection category, the company is breaking new ground with U by Kotex.

 

PepsiCo --PepsiCo brands have introduced their fair share of innovations this year. Among them, AMP Energy Juice with the power of AMP Energy in a 100 percent juice formula; and a 100 percent compostable bag for SunChips snacks. But the company is also innovating in other, maybe more impactful ways with two new programs: PepsiCo10, an open call for promising start-ups in media, communications and technology, and the Pepsi Refresh Project, which supports those who generate innovative, optimistic ideas by awarding more than $20 million in 2010 to move communities forward.

 

Stay tuned to find out the winners of CGT's Business & Technology Awards, which will be announced at the 2010 Consumer Goods Business & Technology Leadership Conference in Orlando, Fla. on October 24-26.