RCC unveils winners of 30^th Canadian Grand Prix New Product Awards

Retail Council of Canada (RCC) reveals the winners of the 30^th Annual Canadian Grand Prix New Product Awards, who were honoured during a star-studded gala earlier this week in Toronto.

A total of 51 Canadian Grand Prix New Product Awards were presented to exceptional companies that introduced outstanding products into the Canadian market in 2022. These winners span a diverse range of businesses, including established retailers, suppliers, boutique shops, and family-owned enterprises from all corners of Canada.

RCC’s Canadian Grand Prix New Product Awards is a highly regarded competition that acknowledges the finest new food and non-food grocery products in the industry. Being recognized as a Canadian Grand Prix Award winner is a transformative milestone for companies, providing unparalleled exposure to key retailers, buyers, and new consumers. Winners of the Canadian Grand Prix New Product Awards have the privilege of displaying the esteemed Canadian Grand Prix seal on their products, an endorsement trusted by Canadians for three decades.

Several companies distinguished themselves this year as multiple-category winners, including Metro, Canadian Tire, Mastermind Toys, Sobeys, Finica Food Specialities, Pattison Food Group, and the Spice Tailor, demonstrating exceptional innovation and excellence within their respective categories.

Additionally, five recipients received special awards for their remarkable contributions. The Spice Tailor, for the second consecutive year, secured the Excellence in Ethnic Product award for their Asian Curry Kits. Metro received the prestigious All-Canadian trophy for their Irresistible Ice Creams, offering unique flavours such as blueberry and hot chocolate. Canadian Tire was recognized for innovation and originality for developing the Paderno Signature 10-Piece Stacking Stainless Steel Cookware Set. Metro impressed the judges once again with their innovative packaging, featuring a fun and smart Advent Calendar. Lastly, Finica Food Specialties received the Overall Consumer Value award for their delightful Sheep’s Milk Cheese, capturing consumers’ attention with its captivating lavender notes.

Diane J. Brisebois, president and CEO of the Retail Council of Canada, said, “These products have captivated consumers, from snack foods that offer tantalizing flavour exploration to foods that provide essential nutritional supplementation. Equally impressive is the packaging, featuring soothing and contemporary designs that enhance the overall experience. This exceptional lineup of new items reflects a growing alignment between product developers and the voices of consumers. The invaluable feedback provided by the jury over the years has undeniably shaped these remarkable innovations.”

Flipp, the presenting sponsor, will feature the winners in their upcoming flyer, showcasing these products to a wide audience.

A distinguished panel of 31 food and grocery industry experts evaluated the products based on innovation, taste, texture, consumer value, and packaging. Each product needed to achieve a minimum overall score of 70 percent to be selected as a finalist, ensuring a rigorous evaluation process.

As part of the Canadian Grand Prix Award Gala, two exceptional individuals received the 2023 Canadian Grand Prix Lifetime Achievement Awards. The recipients were John Pigott, CEO of Club Coffee and Morrison Lamonthe, and Serge Boulanger from Metro. These industry veterans have made remarkable contributions to the retail industry and their communities and deserve RCC’s heartfelt recognition.

View the complete list of this year’s winners.