Finalists announced for 27th Canadian Grand Prix New Product Awards

June 2, 2020, Toronto, Ont. – Retail Council of Canada (RCC) has revealed the finalists for the 27th Annual Canadian Grand Prix New Product Awards.

The finalists represent the 112 most impressive new food and consumer packaged goods products launched into the Canadian market in 2019.

Submissions came from both established as well as new suppliers, smaller boutiques and family-owned retailers from all across Canada.

“Now more than ever Canadians are seeking new products to keep the home menu diverse and exciting,” said RCC president and CEO Diane J. Brisebois. “Canadians are craving genuine newness and retailers have delivered. This year’s products are outstanding and our panel of 34 jurors were especially impressed with the quality and flavour profile of these products.”

“Each year the trends become very apparent, what stood out to the jury this year was the development and availability of plant-based food products,” said Marcus A. Von Albrecht, chef and jury chair who has overseen the Awards judging for the last 21 years. “In recent years restaurants have increased and improved the plant-based food offerings and now we are seeing high-quality products Canadians can enjoy at home.”

This year’s jury of 34 food and grocery industry experts evaluated products based on innovation, taste, experience and packaging. The rigorous evaluation process requires that to become a finalist, a product needs to receive an overall score of at least 70 per cent. Jurors review food and non-food products in the four categories of innovation and originality, product characteristics, presentation and packaging, and overall consumer value.

Finalists can use the prestigious Canadian Grand Prix New Product Award finalist seal on their products and receive extensive exposure in a variety of digital and printed publications, distributed to Canadians across the country.

The award winners will be announced this summer.

Click here for the complete list of finalists or view them with photos on the RCC website.

Additional organizations are collaborating with RCC to celebrate the awards. For breaking news, visit www.rccgrandprix.ca.

RCC is Canada’s largest employer with 2.1 million Canadians working in the industry. The sector annually generates more than $76 billion in wages and employee benefits. Core retail sales (excluding vehicles and gasoline) were $377 billion in 2019. RCC represents more than 45,000 storefronts in all retail formats, including department, grocery, specialty, discount, independent retailers and online merchants.