We have extended the entry deadline for the Inno d’Or – Innovation of the Year 2025 competition – so we are waiting for entries for another 5 days!

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 03. 27. 13:13

In 2025, the Trade magazin launches the Inno d’Or – Innovation of the Year 2025 competition once again, seeking outstanding and value-creating innovations! Special attention is given to innovations addressing the ever-changing consumer preferences and those aimed at creating unique customer experiences. Startups are especially encouraged to enter, as the competition provides them with an excellent opportunity to promote their businesses. The most outstanding products and services will be awarded the title of Inno d’Or – Innovation of the Year 2025.

Objective and Target Audience:

The goal of the competition is to recognize and reward innovative products and services that offer value-creating solutions to current consumer, customer, or industrial needs. Entries should align with identifiable trends or be inspired by clearly defined market demands. The Inno d’Or – Innovation of the Year 2025 competition offers a platform for businesses operating within the announced categories to showcase their unique developments and gain professional recognition.

New this year: decision-makers, buyers, and sales professionals from retail companies will join the professional jury, offering firsthand evaluations based on real market insight.

Categories:

We reward innovation across the broadest possible spectrum. You may enter in the following categories:

Main Category I.

Food: e.g., deli goods, sweets, snacks, bakery products, meat products, dairy products, shelf-stable foods, frozen foods, sauces, spices, ready meals, dietary supplements, pet food innovations…
Beverages: e.g., mineral waters, soft drinks, juices, coffees, teas, alcoholic beverages innovations…
Cosmetics: e.g., new cosmetic products, personal care products, skincare and haircare items, and baby care innovations…
Household Chemicals: e.g., innovations related to cleaning agents, detergents, and other professional or household chemicals…
Ingredients: innovations focusing on ingredients, such as new raw materials or combinations of ingredients…
Services: innovations in FMCG-related services, e.g., online platforms, delivery solutions, customer support systems, beauty services…
Technology: innovations in FMCG-related technology, e.g., production, logistics, IT solutions…
Packaging (standalone): this category is for packaging innovations not linked to a specific product but focused solely on packaging advancements. This includes sustainable packaging, smart or interactive packaging technologies, unique materials or shapes to enhance efficiency, appeal, or environmental performance. Companies specializing in packaging are encouraged to apply…

Main Category II.

Manufacturer Brands: for entries from manufacturers’ own brands.
Private Labels: for entries from retail companies’ own brands.

Main Category III.

B2B (corporate, industrial, wholesale): innovations in products, services, technologies or packaging for corporate, industrial, or wholesale markets.
B2C (consumer): innovations in products, services, technologies or packaging sold directly to consumers.

Main Category IV.

Free-from: product or product family innovations focusing on free-from attributes either in composition or packaging.
Not relevant: where the free-from focus is not applicable.

Classification:

Product: for single-product entries.
Product family: for entries consisting of multiple related products.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 2 April 2025

Participation criteria:

Eligible entries must be products or services launched between 1 January and 31 December 2024.
An application is valid only if the application form is submitted by the deadline, the participation fee is paid within the specified period, and all competition rules are accepted.
Applicants may submit multiple entries, either in the same category or across different ones.

Required documents for submission:

Product specification sheet
Product packaging (image format)
Nutrition label graphic (image format)
Preparation/serving suggestion (for products and product families)

Evaluation criteria and jury composition:

Entries reaching at least 70% of the maximum score will be awarded the title!

The first phase of judging is conducted online. Jury members evaluate each entry as a whole and score based on professional experience. In categories requiring sensory evaluation, the second phase involves in-person judging. Final results are compiled from both electronic and sensory evaluations. If consensus is not reached, a third phase involves a professional consultation with all jury members to determine final outcomes.

The jury will evaluate entries based on the following:

Innovation value
Trend alignment
Marketability/survivability
Unique product/service benefits
Sensory evaluation

Depending on the number of entries, the jury reserves the right to define subcategories during the evaluation.

Awards and Recognition:

Based on the jury’s evaluation (and compliance with competition rules), entries exceeding the required minimum score will receive the “INNO D’OR – Innovation of the Year 2025” title with a certificate and award.

Winners will be announced and granted the right to use the “Inno d’Or – Innovation of the Year 2025” or “Inno d’Or – Innovation of the Year 2025 in Hungary” logos for three (3) years from the date of the award ceremony.

Entrants who submit category-defining innovations may also be awarded the “Pioneer of the Future” special prize.

Key Dates:

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 2 April 2025

Entry Fees:

For a single product: 1st entry HUF 99,000 + VAT / 2nd and further entries HUF 89,000 + VAT (co-applicant fee: HUF 89,000 + VAT), includes participation for 1 person at the awards ceremony and conference.
For product families (e.g., flavour, scent, packaging variations) and service bundles: 1st entry HUF 149,000 + VAT / 2nd and further entries HUF 129,000 + VAT (co-applicant fee: HUF 89,000 + VAT), includes participation for 1 person at the awards ceremony and conference.

Innovation Day and Award Ceremony Details: