Best, Worst of 1994’s New Products

A product that stops runs in pantyhose is among the best new products of the year, while chocolate-flavored salsa is among the biggest duds, according to a study by AcuPoll, a product idea screening company.

The annual survey, which looks at more than 500 products, is designed to highlight the best and worst new products of the year based on initial interest by those surveyed, not by performance or sales potential.

AcuPoll said most of the products given a thumbs-up by consumers provided convenience, like DowBrands’ Baker’s Mate non-stick oven ware line, which quickens cleanup. Consumers liked others because marketers took an existing successful product and improved it, like M&M; Mars’ Milky Way Light candy bar, which has half the fat of the regular Milky Way.

“It’s like having your candy and eating it too,” said Steve Phelen, AcuPoll vice president.

Products that consumers eschewed were unappealing, AcuPoll said, or were simply trying to fill a need that didn’t exist.

Take the freeze-dried vegetable crisps made by Burns & Rickers. Each bag contains a mixture of vegetables, including sweet potatoes, carrots, string beans, squash, blue potatoes, zucchini and onions.

“Blech! It looks like Birds Eye has nothing to fear from this category,” AcuPoll said.

AcuPoll said the annual survey is about 85% successful in predicting market success for new products.

That could mean good news for products on its list of best new offerings. Among them: Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing Co.’s Active Strips bandages; Dap Inc.’s Patch Stick, a pocket-sized tube of nail-hole and crack filler; Playtex Products Inc.’s Dura Mitt scouring glove; Kraft General Foods’ Shake & Bake Perfect Potatoes, a mix of spices for potatoes, and Breyer’s Viennetta ice cream.

Also included among the best new products are Colgate-Palmolive Co.’s dishwashing liquid with antibacterial hand soap; Dexus Laboratories’ Pantyhose Savers, a small tube that stops runs in pantyhose, and CPC International Inc.’s Hellmann’s potato salad dressing.