This year more than 800 readers – double the number from 2015
– cast their vote online in a four-week period for their favorite new
products in nine categories. The 2016 Readers' Choice Product of
the Year Award winners are consistent with market trends for nutri-
tious, favorful snacks and beverages; forward-thinking technology;
and a premium coffee experience.
Better-for-you innovation soars
Products dubbed healthy and/or better-for-you had an outstanding pres-
ence in this year's awards. In the salted snack category, Mars Choco-
late North America took home a win with their goodnessknows®
snack squares crafted with whole nuts, real fruits, toasted oats and
dark chocolate; meanwhile the SnackWell's brand Mini Chocolate
Chip Cookie Bites – made from whole grain and free from high
fructose corn syrup – was voted a fan-favorite in the cookie category.
Coca-Cola took home gold in the cold beverage category with its vita-
minwater® refresh (tropical mango favored + other natural favors)
and vitaminwater vital-t (lemon iced tea favored + other natural
favors), consistent with Mintel's fndings that innovation in favor
led to record-high U.S. bottled water sales in 2015.
Mars Chocolate North America grabbed its second award with
its win in the candy category with M&M;'S® Crispy Candies that
not only satisfy the consumer sweet tooth but also do so at under
200 calories per serving.
This year Packaged Facts reported that convenience is also a major
selling point for food and beverage packaging. Flowers Foods brings
consumers a conveniently packaged sweet treat with its Mrs. Fresh-
ley's Icers which was crowned the winner in the pastry category.
Oftentimes best-selling products and product trends seen in
retail are leaders in vending, too. The sandwich reigns supreme on
restaurant menus across restaurant sectors and that trend followed
true into the vending and micro market industry as well this year
as AdvancePierre Foods continued its winning streak in the food
category, with its Pierre Signatures Sandwich line.
R E A D E R S ' C H O I C E A W A R D S 2016
Each year Automatic Merchandiser asks readers
to vote for their favorite, most-requested and/
or best-selling products in the vending, micro
market and offce coffee service industry. Items
submitted to the competition range from the
newest vending machine technology that can
create effciencies to consumers' favorite new
snacks and beverages.
April 2016 VendingMarketWatch.com Automatic Merchandiser 25