Submissions Sought For Mintel Most Innovative 2026

Submissions are being sought for the 2026 Mintel Most Innovative.

The competition, in its second year, celebrates the best in consumer-packaged goods (CPG) innovation.

The global recognition spotlights brands that are redefining categories, setting new standards and inspiring the industry to think bigger and bolder.

Pivotal Moment

The competition comes at a pivotal moment. Per Mintel, only 35% of global CPG launches in 2024 were genuinely new products, a decline from 46% in 2014 and 75% in 1996. Plus, innovation over the last three decades is marked by brands increasingly relying on incremental updates to stay agile, even as true innovation is urgently needed in a market defined by constant change.

“CPG innovation has never moved faster or felt more pressured. Consumers of all ages, especially Gen Alpha, Gen Z and Millennials, are eager to experiment and try new things, and they expect brands not just to keep up, but to stay a step ahead. Despite this urgency, true innovation is at an all-time low, with too many launches relying on safe, incremental updates,” said Julie Lizer, president of global research and insights at Mintel. “The tension between the pace of consumer change and the slowdown of breakthrough innovation is a defining challenge for the industry.”

She continued, “Mintel Most Innovative provides the definitive pulse check on what real innovation looks like today, spotlighting the products and brands that are setting the standard and proving what’s possible when insight and creativity come together.”

Bold Moves

In beauty, Izzy’s Zero Waste Dew-Bomb Glowy Hydra Milk set a new benchmark for sustainability, rethinking every stage of the product cycle while delivering on-trend, high-performance skincare.

“Innovation isn’t just about launching something new; it’s about creating meaningful change that resonates with consumers and has the potential to influence business, culture, and even society at large,” said Matt Nelson, Global CEO at Mintel. “The most impactful products don’t emerge in isolation. They are grounded in deep insight and a clear vision of what’s next.”

Be Part of the Conversation

Mintel Most Innovative recognizes the most forward-thinking CPG brands worldwide. The firm invites brands to share their breakthrough products and join a community that sets the standard for category-defining innovation.

Recognizing the brands that are rising to the challenge, this year’s winners will be selected by a stand-out jury of industry thought leaders, academics and Mintel experts in marketing and innovation, including the following confirmed judges:

Professor Pierre Chandon, The L’Oréal Chaired Professor of Marketing, Innovation and Creativity at INSEAD and Director of the INSEAD Sorbonne University Behavioral Lab;

Junghoon Moon, Director of FoodBiz Lab, Professor at Seoul National University
Jacqui Parr, Managing Editor, The Grocer;

Kim Berry, Managing Editor, Australian Bartender and Food & Drink Business
Kirsty Dolan, Editor, Cosmetic Design Europe; and

Angelia Teo, Strategist, Coach, Storyteller, Future Semiotic System Founder.

Submissions for the 2026 awards are now open across three key categories: Beauty and Personal Care, Household and Food and Drink.

To enter, look here.