NielsenIQ recognizes Blue Buffalo for innovation

CHICAGO — NielsenIQ BASES has unveiled the winners of the 2022 North American Breakthrough Innovation Award, which includes Blue Buffalo. The pet food company has received recognition for its Tastefuls wet cat food line.

For 11 years, NielsenIQ BASES has recognized more than 700 new product innovations throughout the globe as part of its Breakthrough Innovation awards. The winning products address key consumer needs and redefine their respective industries.

Blue Buffalo launched Tastefuls in March 2021. The Tastefuls line replaced Blue Buffalo’s premium pet food and treat brand Healthy Gourmet, becoming the company’s go-to wet cat food formula. The wet cat food line currently offers a variety of formats, formulas and pre-portioned options.

The North American Breakthrough Innovation Awards recognized 36 innovative products throughout a variety of industries, including food, beverage, nutrition, home care, personal care, snacks and pet care, available in Canada and the United States. For this year, thousands of products were reviewed, most of which were launched during COVID-19.

According to NielsenIQ, new product innovations from 2019 to 2021 have decreased 19%, caused by a difficult CPG environment. This year’s winners were able to navigate this difficult environment, according to NielsenIQ, tackling supply chain disruptions, COVID-19 and inflationary pressure. The 2022 winners, including Blue Buffalo, represent more than $4 billion in one-year sales.

“This year’s award recognizes great products from established brands and new players that have successfully disrupted the market,” said Ramon Melgarejo, managing director of NielsenIQ BASES. “We are excited to welcome 36 new products to the Breakthrough Innovation hall of fame that place consumers at the center of the innovation process with a strong product differentiation and tailored activation.”

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