Patricia Menegoto and Kiki Huddleston from the Startup CPG team provide a fascinating insider look at the 2024 Shelfie Awards. They discuss the judging process, highlighting how they evaluated over 1,500 entries in various categories, from skincare to snacks. Expect insights on innovative pet products, unique beverages, and the evolution of plant-based alternatives. With excitement building for the upcoming awards ceremony, they emphasize the importance of recognizing outstanding brands and encourage future participation in the evolving marketplace.
The Shelfie Awards have expanded categories to reflect innovation in CPG, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity with diverse submissions.
Judging criteria for the awards focus on innovation, taste, branding, and consumer appeal, with a strong emphasis on repurchase potential.
Sustainability plays a vital role in finalist selection, highlighting brands that prioritize clean ingredients and environmentally friendly practices.
Deep dives
Expansion of Shelfie Categories
The expansion of product categories for the Shelfie Awards reflects a dynamic and evolving judging process. The judges emphasize the importance of innovation within the industry, highlighting how they adapt categories based on the diversity of products they receive. This year, more categories than initially planned were introduced, showcasing a wide range of emerging brands in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) sector. The commitment to inclusivity is showcased, with a significant percentage of submissions being female-owned and minority-owned brands.
Judging Criteria and Process
Judges focus on several critical criteria when evaluating products for the Shelfie Awards, primarily seeking innovation and taste. Products are meticulously scrutinized for their branding, packaging, and overall effectiveness, whether it’s a food item or a beauty product. The judges also engage friends and family to gather diverse feedback on the product experience, ensuring that various perspectives are considered. The key question guiding their evaluation is whether they would repurchase the product or recommend it to others, prioritizing consumer appeal.
Emphasis on Sustainable and Clean Products
Sustainability is a recurring theme among the finalists, with many brands making a concerted effort to provide clean, environmentally friendly products. Judges pay close attention to ingredients, ensuring that the products not only taste good but are made from wholesome components. For instance, in the skincare category, products such as those utilizing clean beauty standards and versatile applications stood out. The focus on simplicity and transparency in sourcing ingredients was also a vital factor in selecting finalists.
Celebrating Pet Care Innovations
The pet care category showcased unique and innovative products aimed at enhancing the health and well-being of pets. Judges evaluated products based on their ingredients and effectiveness, noting the significance of flavor to ensure canine approval. Innovations like a broth popsicle fortified with joint health vitamins and luxurious dog skincare were highlighted as examples of high-quality offerings. The criteria for selection included functionality and the overall experience for pet owners, as well as the taste and enjoyment for pets themselves.
Exciting Beverage Trends and Innovations
The beverage category, recognized as one of the most competitive, highlighted innovative drinks that prioritize health and unique flavors. Judges discussed standout products like a caffeine-rich energy drink using cascara, a natural coffee cherry, and a maple water drink that was both nutritious and delicious. Kombucha varieties were also noted for their unique flavors and balanced profiles, attracting positive feedback from both judges and consumers. Innovations in beverage production continue to push boundaries while addressing consumer preferences for healthier and more diverse options.
In this bonus episode of the Startup CPG podcast, Grace Kennedy is joined by Patricia Menegoto and Kiki Huddleston from the Startup CPG team for an insider look at the 2024 Shelfie Awards. They dive into the intricacies of the judging process, the criteria for selecting finalists, and the standout products that are making waves in categories like skincare, pet care, Beverages, Condiments & Spicy Foods, Snacks, Frozen Foods and Plant-Based Alternatives.
Grace, Patricia, and Kiki share their experiences with these standout products and explain how they sifted through over 1,500 entries to find the top contenders, particularly in snack, frozen food, and plant-based categories. They also highlights the challenges of narrowing down the selections and builds excitement for the upcoming awards ceremony on September 4th. Plus, get the latest on the new Startup CPG marketplace and the exciting boat party planned for the event.
Don’t miss out—tune in to discover the future of CPG innovation and hear all about the exciting developments leading up to the Shelfie Awards!
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