The UK Outdoor Industry Awards 2023 marks a significant event in the outdoor industry calendar, celebrating innovation, design, and sustainability in outdoor products. These awards provide a platform for brands to showcase their latest advancements and for consumers to voice their preferences for top-quality outdoor gear.
These awards are not just a recognition of quality and innovation; they represent the evolving trends and consumer demands in the outdoor industry. With a focus on sustainability, the awards highlight the industry’s commitment to environmentally conscious product development.
The awards began with a call for entries from outdoor brands, culminating in a showcase at the Outdoor Trade Show 2023. Here, a panel of expert judges, including renowned journalists and retailers, shortlisted the best products in various categories, according to the Outdoor Insight.
This year, a new ‘Sustainability’ category was introduced, reflecting the growing importance of eco-friendly practices in product design. This category emphasizes material use, performance, and product circularity, setting a new standard for future outdoor products.
Following the shortlisting, the awards entered a crucial phase – public voting. This stage empowers consumers to have a say in the outcome, ensuring that the awarded products resonate with the actual users.
To encourage public participation, voters are entered into a prize draw. Prizes include a £500 Ellis Brigham Gift Card and tickets to the Kendal Mountain Festival, adding an element of excitement to the voting process.
The UK Outdoor Industry Awards 2023 goes beyond mere recognition; it influences future trends in outdoor gear. Winners of these awards often set benchmarks for quality and innovation in the industry.
The awards also serve as a hub for networking and collaboration among industry professionals. They bring together experts, journalists, and retailers, fostering discussions that drive future innovations.
Looking back at previous winners, like Rab’s Mythic Ultra, the awards have consistently highlighted products that combine functionality with innovative design, setting high standards for the industry.
For those interested in learning more or participating, the Outdoor Industries Association (OIA) website offers detailed information. It serves as a resource for both consumers and brands interested in the awards.
With public voting open until February 2024, anticipation builds for the announcement of the winners at the OIA’s Annual Conference & AGM in March 2024. This event promises to be a significant moment for the outdoor industry.