While sales figures have played a notable role in the selection process, past years' honorees also have boasted innovative marketing strategies, packaging and formulation technologies, created new categories and/or successfully extended a line. Certainly, any number of last year's product introductions would make for an excellent list based on those criteria, with Chex Morning Mix, Uncle Ben's bowl extensions, various introductions from Heinz, Borden's Cheese & Macaroni, and others, all in the running.
However, a look back at recent, successful introductions provides hindsight into what made these products a success, what audience they attracted and how they have fared in the crowded marketplace—kind of like looking up old friends and seeing how the years have treated them. Some products jumped on the healthful bandwagon. Others capitalized on a familiar name and brand. Which proved the wiser course? -Eds.