DALLAS, Feb. 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Viva Vantage has been recognized as the Product of the Year in the paper category, an award celebrating innovation and product quality voted on by 40,000 consumers in a national representative survey conducted by TNS, a global leader in consumer research. Viva brand accepted the award at the largest Product of the Year recognition ceremony to-date last night in New York City.

"Nearly 50,000 new packaged goods products are introduced each year," said Rich Fryling, Managing Director, Product of the Year USA. "Our research shows that 44 percent of consumers are more likely to purchase a product recommended by 40,000 shoppers just like them."

Viva brand launched Viva Vantage in early 2014 and has been encouraging consumers to break up with their old paper towel and start a new relationship with the offering from Kimberly-Clark. The revolutionary V-Flex Weave technology of Viva Vantage takes scrubbing to a whole new level. The unique innovation stretches to scrub everyday messes and has sponge-like absorbency to soak up major spills.

"We're incredibly honored to have Viva Vantage recognized as a Product of the Year," said Sean Nobui, senior brand manager for Viva towels. "The product represents an important extension of Viva brand's total presence in the towel category and we were so pleased that the consumer response matches our internal excitement about the innovation."

Product of the Year is the world's largest consumer-voted award for product innovation in consumer-packaged goods. 2015 marks its most extensive contest to-date, with 30 winners named across the household categories.

For more information about Viva Vantage, please visit vivatowels.com or "like" Viva Towels on Facebook.

About Kimberly-Clark
Kimberly-Clark (NYSE: KMB) and its well-known global brands are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 175 countries. Every day, nearly a quarter of the world's population trust K-C brands and the solutions they provide to enhance their health, hygiene and well-being. With brands such as Kleenex, Scott, Huggies, Pull-Ups, Kotex and Depend, Kimberly-Clark holds the No.1 or No. 2 share position in more than 80 countries. To keep up with the latest K-C news and to learn more about the Company's 143-year history of innovation, visit www.kimberly-clark.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

About Product of the Year
Product of the Year is the world's largest consumer-voted award for product innovation. Established 28 years ago, POY currently operates in 40 countries with the same purpose: Guide consumers to the best products in their market and reward manufacturers for quality and innovation. Product of the Year winners are backed by the votes of over 40,000 consumers in a national representative survey conducted by research partner TNS, a global leader in consumer research. The award is a powerful merchandising program for marketers proven to increase product sales, distribution and awareness. Winning products are announced in February each year and receive the right to use the Product of the Year seal in marketing communications for two years. For more information, visit www.productoftheyearusa.com.

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/viva-vantage-named-2015-product-of-the-year-300034274.html

SOURCE Viva Vantage