Canadian Retailer - Store 2015 - 45

styles, and those who choose to abstain from
alcohol for religious and cultural reasons.
"The appeal goes with this product far beyond the immediate connection with MADD,"
says Bolshin. "The demand for alternative beverages is growing dramatically."
Rise of "super foods"

The focus on healthy options, and responsibility too, was evident across product categories. The other double award winner was
Organic Nordic Milk from Nutrinor Cooperative, which took the Healthy Innovation special award and the award for Dairy Products.
Certified by AgroBoreal, the milk is produced
from cows with a diet particularly rich in
northern forage crops (which gives the milk a
unique taste), on farms that practice sustainable agriculture.
The special award for Innovation and Originality went to Veg Pro International for its AsianStyle Stir Fries. The product is a first for Canada
in the refrigerated section of the fruit and vegetable aisle. The stir fries are the only ready-toheat individual meals on the market featuring
fresh vegetables (just two minutes in the microwave), and are available in four flavours.

Lifeblood of the industry

This was the 22nd edition of the Canadian
Grand Prix New Product Awards, which was
open to manufacturers and distributors for
products introduced during the 2014 calendar
year. The program honours the top new food,
non-food and private label products across 29
categories, plus five special awards.
An expert jury panel, chaired by Marcus
Von Albrecht (a B.C. chef and president of
Mava Foods) evaluates uniqueness and innovation, product characteristics, presentation
and packaging, and overall consumer value,
and also factors in consumer acceptance (the
household penetration rate).
The jury evaluated the food and private label
products in March at Montreal's Institut de tourisme et d'hôtellerie du Québec, and assessed
the non-food products at home over six weeks.
Winners and finalists can use the award
logo on their packaging for the next two years.
Diane J. Brisebois, president & CEO of RCC,
says the Grand Prix program is key to the industry as it celebrates continual creativity and
innovation. "Investing in new products is the
lifeblood of the grocery industry, and is instrumental in driving its success."
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2015 CANADIAN GRAND PRIX AWARD WINNERS
BABY CARE

HEALTH CARE

WALMART CANADA
Parent's Choice Infant Formula

HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS

BABY GOURMET FOODS LTD.
Baby Gourmet Plus

(PRIVATE LABEL)

PROCTER & GAMBLE INC.
Crest Sensi-Relief Whitening
+ Scope

BAKERY

METRO BRANDS G.P.
Irresistibles Dish Soap

WESTON BAKERIES LTD.
Country Harvest

S. C. JOHNSON AND SON LTD.
Scrubbing Bubbles Mega Shower
Foamer with Ultra Cling -
Rain Shower

BAKING NEEDS

PAPER, PLASTIC & FOIL

WALMART CANADA
Our Finest Mini Croissants
Mini croissants (PRIVATE LABEL)

KRAFT CANADA
Kraft Peanut Butter - Holiday
Cookie Kit
BEVERAGES

METRO BRANDS G.P.
Irresistibles Life Smart Juice
Blend (PRIVATE LABEL)
TREE OF LIFE CANADA ULC
MADD Virgin Craft Brewed Lager
CONDIMENTS & SAUCES

GAY LEA FOODS
CO-OPERATIVE LTD.
Gay Lea Foods Real Coconut
Whipped Cream
SOBEYS INC.
Compliments presents Jamie
Oliver Condiments (PRIVATE LABEL)
CONFECTIONERY

MARS CANADA INC.
M&M'S Bottles
CONFECTIONERY, SNACK
& DESSERT

SOBEYS INC.
Compliments Balance Fruit &
Vegetable Bars (PRIVATE LABEL)
DAIRY PRODUCTS

NUTRINOR COOPERATIVE
Organic Nordic Milk
DAIRY, EGGS, MEAT & SEAFOOD

SOBEYS INC.
Compliments presents Jamie
Oliver Sausages (PRIVATE LABEL)
DELI, EGG, MEAT & SEAFOOD

SOFINA FOODS INC.
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

GENERAL MERCHANDISE

(PRIVATE LABEL)

PROCTER & GAMBLE INC.
Charmin Basics
WALMART CANADA
Great Value Paper Towels - Strong
and Absorbent (Family Size)
(PRIVATE LABEL)

PERSONAL CARE

PROCTER & GAMBLE INC.
Gillette Fusion ProGlide with
FlexBall Technology
PET NEEDS

DLM FOODS CANADA CORP.
Milk-Bone Brushing Chews
MONDOU
Vetdiet - Care
PREPARED FOOD & ENTREES

METRO BRANDS G.P.
Irresistibles Flatbread
(PRIVATE LABEL)

SHELF STABLE PREPARED FOOD
& ENTREES

NUPASTA INC.
NuPasta
SNACK

DARE FOODS LTD.
Dare Cookie Chips
ALL CANADIAN (SPECIAL AWARD)

GAY LEA FOODS
CO-OPERATIVE LTD.
Gay Lea Foods Real Coconut
Whipped Cream
CONSUMER ACCEPTANCE AWARD
(SPECIAL AWARD)

PARMALAT CANADA
Astro Original
HEALTHY INNOVATION AWARD
(SPECIAL AWARD)

NUTRINOR COOPERATIVE
Organic Nordic Milk
INNOVATION AND ORIGINALITY
(SPECIAL AWARD)

VEG PRO INTERNATIONAL INC.
Asian-Style Stir Fries
INNOVATIVE PACKAGING
(SPECIAL AWARD)

THE CLOROX COMPANY OF
CANADA, LTD.
LIQUID-PLUMR - Hair Clog
Eliminator

BERNARDIN LTD. (JARDEN
BRANDED CONSUMABLES
CANADA)
Bernardin Sip & Straw Lids

STORE 2015 | CANADIAN RETAILER

| 45

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