The finalists for the first-ever Hypeworthies awards were just announced. The Hypeworthies recognizes hot new supermarket products that are getting people talking online and generating big sales at the cash register. Seventy-eight new products in 13 categories were nominated by consumers as fan favorites. There are some fantastic new products here including everything from Kleenex Cool Touch to Franks’ RedHot and from Crest’s White Vivid toothpaste to Special K Dark Chocolate. Check out the entire list at www.hypeworthies.com.

Consumers are now voting on the finalists in each category through social media and sharing thoughts on why the product should win. With over 50,000 social votes cast so far, it’s clear that these products can get people excited. At the end of April, an esteemed panel of judges from several top marketing and research firms will review all the entries and announce the winners during a live event on May 3. It’s kinda like American Idol for groceries without creepy comments from Steven Tyler. Got it dawg?

It’s fascinating to see what products are hot in shopping carts across the country right now. A few of these new gems have started generating hype in my household now. But what’s most interesting is what this array of products tells us about the current trends shaping shopper behaviors today. Looking at all the products nominated for the Hypeworthies, the following three shopping trends emerge.

1. Heart Healthy

The most common attribute across all the Hypeworthies finalists is health. We have an entire category just for diet-friendly foods, but skinny, low-fat, light, multigrain and diet show up in almost every category. Some of the personal care products are organic and even our pets are eating like they are training for a marathon.

Decadent treats like Hershey’s Pieces are generating a lot of discussion, but most of the other candy products are Skinny Cow and all natural.

Americans are obsessed with healthy eating. The Food Marketing Institute reports that about half (46%) of food shoppers are very concerned about the nutrient content of their food. This number has risen 5% in the past 2 years. This is especially true among women. According to Mintel, women in all age groups are highly likely to say that living a healthy lifestyle is important to them. As they age, women say the importance of living a healthy lifestyle increases. Makes that Skinnygirl Sangria nominated in the alcoholic beverages category sound even more appealing right now, doesn’t it?

2. Traditional Fruit Flavors

The second most common Hypeworthies trend is fruit flavoring. You might think this is somewhat related to the health point above, but it’s not. This is more about taste. I’m not sure anyone buys Mixed Berry 7-Up, Starburst Morph or Sour Patch Kids Berries for their nutritional value.

Traditional fruit flavors like these are making a big comeback. They are now one of the top flavors in all new food products, and a lot of the growth has come at the expense of “superfruits”. The superfruit rage of a couple years ago has all but dried up. Acai and pomegranate were top 5 flavors in 2009, now they are both down in the 18 to 20 range. Elizabeth Sloan, Contributing Editor of Food Technology, said that superfruits appealed to a very specific type of consumer, and they’ve moved on to other products like herbs like cloves and oregano for a more concentrated antioxidant punch.

Hypeworthies voters must have spring vacations on the brain. Tropical fruit flavors like mangos, coconuts, cherry and banana flavors seem to be everyone’s favorite.

3. Portability

The third most common Hypeworthies theme is portability. We are constantly on the go and we want our products to move as fast as we do. That means they have simple to use and easy to take along with us. Whether its Starbucks Veranda Blend single serve instant coffee packets, Oscar Meyer’s Lunch Combos or the immensely popular Tide detergent pods, consumers want products that give them quality in a small package.

Mintel says this “less is more” thinking is linked to convenience and value. Consumers are buying single use packaged items rather than more costly, larger items. Like the Starbucks, Oscar Meyer and Tide pods products, portions are pre-measured so consumers can take exactly what they need without worrying about waste.

 Hypeworthies judging is going on right now, so if you have an idol among these potential superstar products, visit www.hypeworthies.com and tell the judges why your favorites should win.

 

Wow—you’ve been busy bees! In less than two weeks, over 50,000 thousand social media votes have been placed for The Hypeworthies.

You clearly crave cocktails! The Alcoholic Beverages category is a tight race between Parrot Bay Freeze & Squeeze Mango Daiquiri Tropical Malt Drink, Skinny Girl Sangria, Smirnoff Signature Screwdriver and Pinnacle Cake Vodka, with over 1,000 votes each.  You never know…with time left to vote, a new Hypeworthies star could always emerge in this category.

Tide Pods Mystic Forest are cleaning house in the Household Products category, but don’t count out Ziploc VersaGlass Containers and Reynold’s Wrap Non-Stick Pan Liner (we know what we’ll be using to batch up baked goods for the family this weekend!).

Our mouths water just thinking about Hershey’s Pieces Milk Chocolate with Almonds, and clearly yours do to…they’re a fan favorite in the Candy & Gum category. Looking for a tasty treat that’s light on calories? Check out Skinny Cow Dreamy Clusters, a chocolately delight that’s stocking up on votes in the Diet Friendly category.

The race is on, the competition’s hot, and it’s up to you to decide the winners. Share your favorite new products of 2012 to cast your vote for The Hypeworthies!

The clock is ticking – today’s the last day to cast your nomination for  The Hypeworthies. Peruse your pantry and gaze your grocery list for the new products that make you rave and crave. Then visit The Hypeworthies website, and check back with us on Monday when the voting begins!

Two weeks ago, we launched The Hypeworthies, and the nominations have been flooding in. From salty snacks to savory and sweet treats, household helpers and pet products galore, you clearly have a few new favorites this year. With so many new products to choose from, the race is on during the final hours of the nomination period. Cast your vote to help choose the winners of The Hypeworthies!

Haven’t cast your nomination yet? What are you waiting for?! Remember, your nomination will help determine the final list of products that could win The Hypeworthies. Follow The Hypeworthies on Twitter and find The Hypeworthies on Facebook for the latest updates, and check The Hypeworthies website for the final list of nominees to cast your vote on March 26th!

 

 

Oscar buzz may be over, but that doesn’t mean the award season is finished. In fact, a brand new award is getting people talking. It’s called the Hypeworthies, a new award from BzzAgent that recognizes today’s hottest new products.

Hot new products can generate a lot of excitement.  When you come across one that blows your hair back, you don’t want to keep it to yourself.  You want to share your experiences with everyone. Not only is it a great source of conversation, but you know others are going to find this gem of a product just an interesting as you do. Maybe they’ll try it and want to tell all their friends about it.

Hype around new products isn’t limited to cars, movies or the latest iWhatever, it’s often about the products we see every day in our supermarkets aisles.  That’s what the Hypeworthies are all about, and we need your help to nominate what’s hot in your shopping cart.

Nominate Your Favorite Products

Visit hypeworthies.com now to nominate your favorite new supermarket products.  We’ll be collecting nominations until March 23, so tell all your friends.

Finalists Announced March 26

Finalists for each product category will be announced on March 26. Come back to Hypeworthies.com on the 26th to vote for your favorites. The Hypeworthies are all about sharing our enthusiasm so we encourage you to submit your own stories and photos about these products, and discuss your favorites on Twitter and Facebook. Our panel of judges will review your recommendations along with metrics on overall consumer buzz and market sales data from leading measurement companies to select the winners in each product category. We’ve saved one category just for you, the People’s Choice award will be based entirely on your votes.

Attend the Hypeworthies Award Webinar April 26

The Hypeworthies wraps up on April 26 with a big online event to announce the winners. The event will feature several prominent marketing leaders discussing the winners in each category, consumer reactions to the products, and their recommendations for building hype that makes everyday products remarkable.  This is an event you don’t want to miss. Reserve your place now and add it to your calendar.

Join the Conversation

This is going to be fun. There’ll be a lot to talk about during the next few weeks, so stay tuned to this blog, @hypeworthies on Twitter and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hypeworthies.  Our hype connoisseur Sarah Hodges will be leading a lot of these discussions so we hope you get involved.