Grand Prix winners announced
It was a banner year for whipped cream and milk at the Canadian Grand Prix New Product Awards, as Gay Lea Foods and Nutrinor each took home two awards.
On Wednesday night, the grocery industry feted the innovative products of 2014 at the Retail Council of Canada’s annual Grand Prix awards. A total of 34 awards were presented, as chosen by a 30-member jury.
Gay Lea Foods Co-operative won for best condiment and sauce, as well as the coveted All-Canadian award for its Gay Lea Foods Real Coconut Whipped Cream. The sweet treat is geared towards lactose-free and vegan dessert lovers.
Nutrinor Co-operative also doubled down with awards, taking home the best dairy product for its Organic Nordic Milk, a 3.8% milk produced by 15 farmers in Quebec. The product also picked up the Healthy Innovation Award.
The 2014 Consumer Acceptance award went to Parmalat Canada’s Astro Original.
In two other special awards categories, Veg Pro International’s Asian-Style Stir Fries (pictured) was recognized for Innovation and Originality, while Clorox was singled out for Innovative Packaging for its Liquid-Plumr Hair Clog Eliminator.
Procter & Gamble was up for the most awards this year, with 12 finalists in non-food categories. The company scooped up three awards last night for best health care product, paper, plastic and foil, and personal care.
In private label, Walmart, Metro and Sobeys each won three awards. Quebec retailer Mondou took home an award for pet needs.
The Grand Prixs are now in their 22nd year. The program is open to manufacturers and distributors of all sizes in Canada. This year’s awards recognize products introduced during 2014.
Finalists were chosen by a 30-person jury comprised of food industry professionals, including people working in grocery, consumer packaged goods, journalists and dietitians.
To become a finalist, a product must score at least 70% in judging.
Here is a complete list of the winning products from last night:
SPECIAL AWARDS
All Canadian: Gay Lea Foods Real Coconut Whipped Cream, Gay Lea Foods
Consumer Acceptance: Astro Original, Parmalat
Canadian Grand Prix Healthy Innovation New Product Award: Organic Nordic Milk, Nutrinor
Innovation and Originality: Asian-Style Stir Fries, Veg Pro International
Innovative Packaging: Liquid-Plum – Hair Clog Eliminator, Clorox
FOOD
Bakery
Weston Bakeries: Country Harvest
Baking Needs:
Kraft: Kraft Peanut Butter Holiday Cookie Kit
Beverages
Tree of Life: MADD Virgin Craft Brewed Lager
Condiments & Sauces
Gay Lea Foods: Gay Lea Foods Real Coconut Whipped Cream
Confectionery
Mars: M&M’S Bottles
Dairy Products
Nutrinor: Organic Nordic Milk
Deli, Egg, Meat & Seafood
Sofina Foods: Deli Naturally
Dessert
Scotsburn Dairy Group: Scotsburn Premium Inclusion Ice Cream Bars
Frozen or Refrigerated Prepared Food & Entrees
Industrie Gastronomique Cascajares: Porchetta Festive Box
Fruits, Vegetables & Produce
Gardein: Gardein
Shelf Stable Prepared Food & Entrees
Nupasta: Nupasta
Snack
Dare Foods: Dare Cookie Chips
NON-FOOD
Baby Care
Baby Gourmet Foods: Baby Gourmet Plus
General Merchandise
Bernardin: Bernardin Sip & Straw Lids
Health Care
Procter & Gamble: Crest Sensi-Relief Whitening and Scope
Household Products
S.C. Johnson and Son, Scrubbing Bubbles Mega Shower Foamer with Ultra Cling – Rain Shower
Paper, Plastic & Foil
Procter & Gamble: Charmin Basics
Personal Care
Procter & Gamble: Gillette Fusion ProGlide with FlexBall Technology
Pet Needs
DLM Foods: Milk-Bone Brushing Chews
PRIVATE LABEL
Baby Care
Walmart: Parent’s Choice Infant Formula (For babies sensitive to lactose)
Bakery
Walmart: Our Finest Mini Croissants
Beverages
Metro: Irresistibles Life Smart Juice Blend
Condiments & Sauces
Sobeys: Compliments presents Jamie Oliver Condiments
Confectionery, Snack & Dessert
Sobeys: Compliments Balance Fruit & Vegetable Bars
Dairy, Egg, Meat & Seafood
Sobeys: Compliments presents Jamie Oliver Sausages
Household Products
Metro: Irresistibles Dish Soap
Paper, Plastic & Foil
Walmart: Great Value Paper Towels
Pet Needs
Mondou: Vetdiet Care
Prepared Foods & Entrees
Metro: Irresistibles Flatbread