If, like me, you like wine but are not a connoisseur, you will have stood at the wine aisle and wondered which to go for…choosing the mid-priced one with the nice label or perhaps the one with the golden award sticker? That’s why I enjoy helping companies win the right awards!
In 2019, Campaign UK published an article which stated “ Those who win (the Product of the Year Award) have the right to use the Product of the Year logo – a recognisable stamp of approval and one that 86% of consumers say means they are more likely to buy a product. As such, the awards stand out to marketing professionals as an accolade which is particularly meaningful to their brands.”
Food Industry Awards
Receiving an award has been proven to significantly impact the sales products and services. As a CEO or Marketing Head of a business, it is crucial to recognise the impact that awards can have on consumer behaviour. By leveraging awards, your company can gain a competitive edge, build credibility, and inspire consumer trust. The recognition and positive association that comes with winning awards can greatly influence consumers’ purchasing decisions, leading to increased sales, customer loyalty, and business growth.
- Finnebrogue Artisan: This Northern Irish meat-free food company won the Food Manufacture Company of the Year award in 2023. Since winning the award, Finnebrogue Artisan has seen a 20% increase in sales. (source Finnebrogue Artisan Website Press Release)
- Raynor Foods: This UK-based dairy company won the Chilled Fresh & Dairy Manufacturing Company of the Year award in 2023. Since winning the award, Raynor Foods has seen a 15% increase in sales. (Source Richard Raynor, CEO – article for The Grocer)
- Wyke Farms: This UK-based cheese company won the Business Leader of the Year award in 2023. Since winning the award, Wyke Farms has seen a 10% increase in sales. (Source Nigel Carrick, CEO – article in Food Manufacture)
What Winning an Award Provides for a Business
1. Prestige, Trust & Credibility. Winning an award from a respected body or publication adds prestige giving the product or service greater credibility with purchasers. It becomes more trustworthy. When consumers are bombarded with countless options, they naturally seek validation and reassurance before making a purchase decision. Awards act as powerful symbols, signaling to consumers that a company has been recognised and endorsed by industry experts or peers. By aligning your business with reputable awards, you enhance your brand’s credibility and make it easier for consumers to trust in your offerings.
2. Increased Brand Visibility. Awards offer a tangible and credible way to communicate your company’s success and excellence to attract new customers as well as increase brand presence. When a company wins an award, it gains positive publicity, media coverage, and industry recognition. This increased visibility helps to reinforce your brand’s image and position it as a leader in its field. Consumers perceive award-winning companies as more reliable, dependable, and reputable, which greatly influences their purchase decisions.
3. Point of Difference in a Crowded Market. If you’re in a competitive market, where consumers have a multitude of options to choose from, awards create the point of difference, making the product or service stand out from the rest. It’s particularly relevant where consumers are faced with an overwhelming choice available. In today’s saturated marketplace, businesses are constantly striving to differentiate themselves from competitors. Awards provide an excellent opportunity to stand out and demonstrate your company’s unique strengths. Winning an award showcases your business’ exceptional qualities, innovation, and expertise, giving consumers a reason to choose you over competitors. It creates a positive impression that sets you apart, making it more likely for consumers to consider your services.
4. Consumer Confidence. Especially useful for newer business models needing to make a mark in the industry. Winning an award provides consumers with a level of reassurance that they are making a sound purchasing decision, especially if the product or service is something they are not completely familiar with. Consumers heavily rely on social proof and recommendations from others when making purchasing choices. Winning awards provides an additional layer of social proof for your product or service. People are more likely to trust the opinions and experiences of their peers, and an award-winning company has already received validation from industry experts. When consumers see that your company has been recognised for its outstanding achievements, they are more inclined to trust your brand and spread positive word-of-mouth recommendations, further expanding your customer base.
5. Increased Customer Engagement. Awards can act as conversation starters and provide a compelling narrative for your business’ marketing efforts. Consumers are more likely to engage with a brand that has received accolades, sparking their curiosity and interest in learning more about your products or services. Utilise your awards in your marketing campaigns, social media platforms, and website to create engaging content that showcases your achievements. This active engagement enhances brand visibility and customer interest, ultimately leading to increased sales.
6. Premium Price Option. Having an award increases the perceived value of the service or product, affording the provider an opportunity to charge a premium price. The award justifies the premium price and gives increased profitability for the business.
Red Cool Consulting is the ideal partner to guide your company towards successfully entering and winning industry-recognised awards with experience from both sides of the fence: Judging and Winning Awards. Red Cool Consulting has demonstrated its ability to strategically position businesses for recognition and success. That’s why I know that I can play a valuable role in helping your company win awards by providing strategic guidance, expertise and support throughout the process.
- Award strategy development
- Preparation & submission
- Presentation & documentation prep
- Industry insights and benchmarking
- Post award leveraging
- Continuous improvement
Red Cool Consulting’s deep understanding of the award landscape, coupled with industry expertise, allows identification of the most suitable awards for your company to tailor a winning strategy. Red Cool Consulting possesses a keen eye for identifying the unique strengths and accomplishments of your organisation, effectively crafting compelling narratives that resonate with award judges. Meticulous attention to detail ensures that every element of your award submission is polished and compelling, leaving no room for oversight or missed opportunities.
Choose Red Cool Consulting to maximise your potential and secure the recognition you deserve in the competitive landscape of industry awards.