Celebrating Innovation: The Grocer New Product and Packaging Awards 2023

The Grocer New Product and Packaging Awards recognises and applauds the efforts of brands that push the boundaries of creativity and functionality in the grocery sector. This year's winners highlight a diverse array of products and packaging solutions that have captured the attention of both consumers and industry experts alike. From innovative flavours to sustainable packaging, these winners are at the forefront of shaping the future of grocery shopping.

Soft Drink Champion:
Hip Pop Gut Lovin’Orange Soda

This soda positions itself at the premium end of the soft drinks market — a strategic choice by Hip Pop, leveraging its reputation for active health credentials. Hip Pop's soda boasts prebiotic fibre and probiotics, whilst keeping a low sugar content of less than 2.5g per 100ml and with no sweeteners. These distinctive features caught the attention of the judges, praising the beverage for its "refreshing yet not overly sweet" flavour.

Confectionery Champion:
Lindt Choco Wafer Milk Chocolate and Hazelnut

Lindt's innovation impressed the judges, earning applause for its delicious taste and premium packaging. The judges were particularly pleased with the surprisingly low calorie count per piece, considering the indulgent flavour of the delightful wafers.

According to Lindt, this product received the highest taste rating among its new concepts in recent years, and its premium qualities set it apart from other wafer products in the market.

Paper Pack of the Year Champion:
Nestlé Quality Street Paper Wrappers

Christmas is looking far more. sustainable this year, thanks to Nestlé’s revamp of its Quality Street brand Instead of the usual plastic wrappers, it has developed special barrier paper material for each treat. Only the Orange Crunch and the Green Triangle sweets remain in their existing foil wrappers, but they are recyclable – meaning none of the packaging needs to go to landfill.

Judges praised the “huge achievement” for the established UK brand. “This is a brilliant innovation that addresses the issue of recyclability of plastic in an iconic product,” said one.

Eco-friendly Innovations

This year, The Grocer added an important new component to these awards, recognising the increasingly significant role of packaging innovation, particularly in addressing sustainability concerns and the circular economy. With sustainability gaining prominence, the event acknowledges companies contributing to a more eco-friendly future through innovative packaging solutions.

As consumers become more conscious of their choices, the grocery industry is responding with innovative and sustainable solutions. The awards highlight the companies' commitment to meeting the evolving needs and expectations of consumers, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and advancement.

Grocery Highlights Range – Where Quality Meets Innovation

The Grocer New Product and Packaging Awards 2023 stand as a testament to the dynamic FMCG industry, showcasing innovation, adaptability and a response to changing consumer needs. These innovations enhance the lives of customers, who look to brands, as much as they do to the supermarkets, to excite them, while providing much-needed revenue, and differentiation and quality, to the grocers.

Discover innovation, quality and excellence throughout our Grocery Highlights Range. This selection of products not only features top UK brands, that have been crowned winners at these awards, but also other popular products that will delight your customers.