Listerine Zero wins 2012 Product of the year

Australian consumers have overwhelmingly voted for products which save time, simplify life, give them instant gratification, offer good value or a little luxurious reward in the 2012 Product of the Year Awards. And for the first time, one product has struck a chord with consumers in the same competition in the USA.

Listerine Zero was the big stand-out, not just scoring best in class in Australia's Product of the Year awards but also winning its category in the United States.

Listerine Zero is formulated for those individuals who prefer a less intense, non-alcohol containing mouthrinse. It contains the same 4 signature essential oils found in Listerine Antiseptic as well as 100ppm fluoride to help prevent caries and strengthen teeth.

Product of the Year is Australia's largest independent consumer survey of new products designed to reward innovation in consumer products across a range of categories. The ultimate purpose is to provide shoppers with a symbol that guides them to the best products in each category.

Seven thousand Australian household shoppers were surveyed to find the most innovative new products to hit supermarket shelves in recent times, stretching across 28 categories including adult health; beauty; dental care; fresh foods; hair care; household cleaning; and pet care.

Product of the Year Director, Sarah Connelly, said most of the 28 winners reflected the huge time pressure everyone is under and the desire to find new products to make lives simpler and better.

"Consumers are looking for good value, with supermarket home brands scoring two awards this year, but there's still room for little luxuries even though purses are being squeezed. A number of category winners are not the cheapest options, but clearly shoppers think they are worth paying that little bit extra for," she said.

The Product Of The Year awards were founded in France in 1987 and the event champions product innovation in 30 countries around the world. Products must have launched between 1 January 2010 and 30 August 2011 to qualify for entry. Product winners earn the right to carry the Product of the Year stamp of quality for 12 months.