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With the challenge of rising food prices, it’s no surprise that 9 in 10 Aussies are using affordability as their yardstick when determining product choices. The findings are from a report by NielsenIQ that was commissioned by consumer-based awards program Product of the Year.
Now in its 16th year in Australia, the 2025 Product of the Year winners have just been announced, the results voted on by 5,000 Australian shoppers after first being tested by a panel of judges for quality, credibility, and innovation.
Among the 34 awards were Kmart’s Anko hard anodised non-stick frypan, Tassal cooked Australian tiger prawns, and Ferrero Rocher frozen dessert. But it was the supermarket chains Coles and Woolworths that dominated in the various categories, taking out 23 of the 34 category awards with their home-brand and fresh food offerings.
I was super impressed with the flavour of the Tassal packaged prawns when I tried them earlier this year, so am not surprised they got a gong. And as far as supermarket sweet treats go, it’s hard to go past Coles Finest chocolate hazelnut cookies.
The awards reflect current trends, not just towards affordability but also other factors such as recyclable packaging and dietary styles. In the breakfast category, for example, the award went to Coles overnight chia pudding (berry & coconut), while Coles Finest lime cocktail slices won the dried fruit & nuts category, no doubt driven by the current aperitivo trend.
Apparently younger people are having a better time at the supermarket than older folk. According to the NielsenIQ report, 20% of Australians aged 18 to 24 say they love grocery shopping, with just 4% of Aussies aged 55 to 64 saying the same.
With grocery shopping remaining a point of tension for Australians, almost 2 in 3 shoppers reported to be sacrificing indulgence items like chocolate and desserts, while 17% were foregoing household cleaning products.
It’s no surprise that when asked how supermarkets could better serve Australian shoppers, 81% of respondents said that being the most affordable retailer was the best way to engage and retain them as customers. Aldi once again come out on top as the most affordable choice, but shoppers gave Woolworths the nod as the leading retailer with the best selection of fresh, healthy, and organic products.
Visit www.productoftheyear.com.au for the full list of winners.
I’m not surprised older people are less enthusiastic about grocery shopping! We’ve had too many years of practice. I concur with the findings re Aldi being most affordable and Woolworths leading the way on fresh foods.