More than 2.2 million consumers will be given the chance to vote for their favourite products with the launch of 2009 The Australian Women’s Weekly Product of the Year Awards.

The magazine’s publisher, ACP Magazines, will launch the new awards in October, when readers will be invited to take part in an independent survey based on consumer experiences and product innovation, revealling Australia’s must-have products.

The magazine’s readers, both in print and online, will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite products across a wide range of categories, which will put them in the running to win a share of $10,000 in prizes.

Brands will be given the chance to be in the running for an award by submitting their products in categories including health, beauty, cereals and snacks, frozen and dairy foods, pantry staples, home and cleaning products, as well as beverages, alcohol, toys and small appliances.

“Winning brands will be rewarded with a high-profile publicity boost, which comes from the integrity and credibility associated with The Australian Women’s Weekly brand and a national survey of this size,” says the Awards brand ambassador, Deborah Thomas.

All products entered in the Awards will be short-listed by a judging panel comprising Thomas along with other figures from the media and industry groups, as well as interested consumers chosen through an exclusive online competition.

The shortlist will then be published in print and online, giving readers the opportunity to vote for their favourite product in each category, with winners will be announced at a gala awards night in Sydney.