Canadian Grand Prix winners announced
A cheese sampler that lets consumers try four varieties of cheese, all individually wrapped like cupcakes, was the big winner at the Canadian Grand Prix New Product Awards, held Wednesday night in Toronto.
Mini Hors-D'oeuvre from La Fromagerie 1860 Du Village Inc., in Warwick, Que., won the coveted All-Canadian product award and the Innovation and Originality award. It also won in the Dairy category.
Judges were wowed by the taste of the cheeses in the sampler as well as the presentation. They thought the individually wrapped cheeses were a perfect accent for a cheese platter and the four-pack would also make a great gift to give a party's hostess (along with a bottle of wine).
La Fromagerie 1860 is owned by Saputo.
Another big winner last night was Canada Safeway, which picked up four of the seven awards given out in Private Label.
Several companies won two awards, including Smucker Foods, Canada Bread, Unilever, Kraft and Metro Richelieu.
Green and health came into play for several winners.
In green, Method Laundry Detergent, a winner in the Household Products category, is made with 95% plant-based ingredients and its sleek bottle is made of 50% post-consumer recycled plastic.
In health, Maple Leaf Foods won for its all-natural deli meats lineup; the Dessert category winner went to a probiotic frozen yogurt made by Lebel Foods; and Unilever won for its Becel Pro.Active margarine, the first food in Canada to include plant sterols, which lowers cholesterol.
The Grand Prix Awards are organized by the Retail Council of Canada.
Here is the complete list of winners:
SPECIAL AWARDS:
All Canadian Product: La Fromagerie 1860 du Village Inc., Mini Hors-D’Oeuvre
Innovation and Originality: La Fromagerie 1860 du Village Inc., Mini Hors-D’Oeuvre
Canadian Grand Prix Healthy Innovation New Product: Fontaine Sante Foods, Humm Hummus Cocktail
Consumer Acceptance: Canada Bread Company, Dempster’s Smart White with 16 Whole Grains
Innovative Packaging: Method Products, Method Laundry Detergent
FOOD
Bakery: Canada Bread Company, Dempster's OvenFresh bread
Baking Needs: Unilever Canada, Becel Pro.activ
Beverages: Smucker Foods of Canada, Folgers Black Silk Coffee
Condiments and Sauces: Kraft Canada, Kraft Whipped Peanut Butter and Dip
Confectionery: Cadbury (Kraft), Trident Layers
Dairy: La Fromagerie 1860 du Village Inc., Mini Hors-D’Oeuvre
Deli, Egg, Meat and Seafood: Maple Leaf, Maple Leaf Natural Selections Deli Meats
Dessert: Lebel Foods, Probiotic Frozen Yogurt Mini Cone
Frozen or Refrigerated Prepared Food and Entrees: Gardein Protein International, Gardein beefless tips and crispy tenders
Fruits, Vegetables and Produce: Smucker Foods of Canada, Europe’s Best Antioxidant Fruit Blend
Shelf Stable Prepared Food and Entrees: Unilever Canada, Knorr Homestyle Stock
Snack: In Foods, In Snax Pita Crisps
NON-FOOD
Baby Care: Procter & Gamble, Pampers with Dry Max
General Merchandise: Bernardin, Bernardin Home Canning Starter Kit
Health Care: Glaxosmithkline Consumer Healthcare, Sensodyne Iso-Active Toothpaste
Household Products: Method Products, Method Laundry Detergent
Paper, Plastic and Foil: Solo Cup Canada, Solo Squared Plates/Bowls
Personal Care: Kimberly-Clark, U by Kotex
Pet Needs: Mars Canada, Natural Defense Joint Health Premium Snacks for Adult Dogs
PRIVATE LABEL
Bakery: Sobeys, Compliments Balance Crusty Breads
Beverages: Metro Richelieu, Irresistibles Life Smart Nutrient Enhanced Water Beverage
Condiments and Sauces: Metro Richelieu, Selection Marinade (Shish Taouk and Shawarma)
Confectionery, Snack and Dessert: Canada Safeway, Safeway Select Artisan Supreme Cheescake Sampler
Dairy, Eggs, Meat and Seafood: Canada Safeway, Waterfront Bistro Frozen Fish Fillet
Non-Food: Canada Safeway, Safeway Microban Reusable Shopping Bag
Prepared Food and Entrees: Canada Safeway, O Organic Fresh Soup
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