The Australian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS) has officially opened submissions for the 2024 New Product Launch of the Year Award.
This award celebrates creativity, innovation, and market success in the Australian petrol and convenience channel, offering an opportunity for businesses to gain industry recognition.
The award seeks to highlight standout products that have made a significant impact on the market, driven growth, or introduced fresh perspectives. Entries will be judged on their ability to demonstrate measurable success and alignment with industry priorities.
Theo Foukkare, CEO of AACS, said the 2024 calendar year has been filled with innovation through new product launches by suppliers.
“Significant planning and resources have been allocated by suppliers in research, marketing, product development, retailer collaboration, and in store operational excellence.
“The AACS New Product of the Year Award is designed to both recognise these suppliers’ efforts and highlight which supplier really did deliver the best new product that delivered incremental value and shift their respective category results.”
Award Entry Criteria
Submissions must showcase achievements across four key areas:
- Incremental Sales Value to the Category
Entrants are required to provide national scan data demonstrating how their product achieved incremental growth within its category. - Innovation
This includes innovation in product design, functionality, or packaging, or entirely new product types. Examples could include introducing a new ingredient, redesigning shapes or sizes, or implementing environmentally friendly packaging solutions. - Marketing and Support Activations
Evidence of in-store, e-commerce, or online marketing efforts is required. Entrants should also demonstrate investment in the channel, such as field support or merchandising, supported by visual materials like images or videos. - Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Initiatives
Products that utilise sustainable packaging, adopt eco-friendly manufacturing practices, or reinvest in sustainability will be particularly commended.
Submission Guidelines
Submissions must be presented in a PowerPoint format, with a maximum of eight slides detailing how the product launch meets the outlined criteria. Businesses are encouraged to incorporate photos, artwork, and multimedia elements to strengthen their case.
Submissions are now open. For further details, contact Foukkare at theo@aacs.org.au or Zan Lewarn at zan.lewarn@aacs.org.au.
To stay up to date on the latest industry headlines, sign up to the C&I e-newsletter.