In a glittering night filled with fanfare, innovation, and consumer celebration, the 2025 Product of the Year Awards crowned 32 standout products and services at a vibrant event in Sandton.

• The Product of the Year programme has been running globally for over three decades and currently operates in 43 countries.
• Standard Bank, Unilever, Clicks, and Smudge led multiple categories with consumer-endorsed products.
• Entries for the 2026 Awards open in September, inviting brands to join South Africa’s innovation spotlight.
• Visit www.sandtontimes.co.za for more stories.

Hosted by comedian and entertainer Mpho Popps Modikoane, with captivating performances by The Cirk, the evening spotlighted brands that have gone above and beyond in creating products that truly resonate with South African consumers.

In South Africa, the awards are decided by a nationally representative survey of 2,000 consumers, conducted independently by global insights firm Kantar. These consumers assess entries on five core metrics: appeal, relevance, uniqueness, satisfaction, and innovation ensuring that only the most deserving products earn the prestigious Product of the Year seal. For the 2025 edition, entries were open to innovations launched between 1 January 2023 and 31 December 2024, including long-standing favourites that have continued to evolve to meet the changing needs of local consumers.

South African shoppers are becoming more discerning than ever. With budgets tightening and priorities shifting, consumers are gravitating towards products they can trust—products endorsed not by marketing hype, but by fellow everyday users.

// General Manager of Product of the Year South Africa, Edith Venter

The awards celebrate not only newcomers, but also those timeless household names that have innovated through function, packaging, ingredients, or design. A testament to this is the ‘Heritage’ category, which honours products with lasting relevance and continued consumer trust. Among the 2025 honourees in this category were staples like Rajah Curry Powder and Knorrox Stock Cubes, along with Panado Infant Drops, Cuddlers Gold Disposable Nappies, and Clicks My Earth Flushable Eco Wipes – showing that even the most established products are still finding new ways to improve.

This year also marked the unveiling of a refreshed Product of the Year logo – a sleeker, more modern design that reinforces the programme’s reputation as a benchmark of quality, innovation, and consumer trust. The new logo will appear across all marketing touchpoints for the 2025 winners, from product packaging to digital ads, offering shoppers an easy-to-spot symbol of excellence.

In a break from previous years, Mike Nolan, Global CEO of Product of the Year, was on hand in Sandton to personally present awards to each winner.

We’re seeing incredible growth and momentum in South Africa. Product of the Year not only gives brands the chance to shine locally but provides global credibility and a mark of distinction in a crowded market.

// Global CEO of Product of the Year, Mike Nolan

The 2025 award winners spanned a wide range of industries – from banking and beverages to baby care and beauty. Financial services made a particularly strong showing, with Standard Bank walking away with five awards, including wins for student loans, funeral planning, and youth banking accounts.

The personal care and health sectors were also well-represented. Notable winners included Smudge for its lip plumper and mascara ranges, Dove Men+Care, Sorbet’s 10% AHA + BHA serum, and Clicks SUNprotect Anti-Ageing SPF50 Face Cream. In household and pantry staples, familiar names like Robertsons, Knorrox, Lifebuoy, and Unilever’s Rajah reaffirmed their place in South African homes.

Even the ready-to-drink category offered something to toast, with Malibu’s Spirit Cooler and Absolut Cocktail Range taking top honours in the rum and vodka cooler categories, respectively. And for a cheeky brunch? Cheeky Cocktails Mimosa popped the cork on a win for best sparkling wine cocktail.

Ivan Moroke, CEO of Kantar South Africa, highlighted one key trend emerging from the 2025 survey: relevance and functionality remain king.

Especially in times of economic uncertainty, consumers gravitate towards products that not only promise value but deliver it consistently. This year’s winners stood out for their ability to meet real-life needs.

// CEO of Kantar South Africa, Ivan Moroke

Attendees at the event weren’t just there to applaud the winners – they got to experience them too. Guests left with one of the year’s most coveted goodie bags, packed with award-winning products ranging from spices, soap and soup to nappies, shower crème and more. With the 2025 winners now celebrated, attention shifts to the future. Entries for the 2026 Product of the Year Awards open in September 2025, inviting brands from across South Africa’s dynamic marketplace to throw their brands in the ring.

To see the full list of winners or learn more about the programme, visit the Product Of The Year website.

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