TORONTO – Maple Leaf Natural Selections has won the 2011 Product of the Year in the Fresh Deli category as voted by Canadian consumers. A line of deli meats made with wholesome, simple ingredients and contain no added preservatives or artificial ingredients, Natural Selections was selected following a national survey of more than 5,900 Canadian consumers.

"We launched Natural Selections to provide consumers with a wholesome product that is free of added preservatives and artificial ingredients that they could feel good about feeding their families," said David Grachnik, marketing manager for Natural Selections. "We are extremely proud that Natural Selections was voted as the Product of the Year, especially since it was only launched 10-months ago. It is also timely given we have just added two more varieties to the line — roast beef and hardwood smoked salami."


Natural Selections is made with Maple Leaf's finest cuts of meat and simple ingredients, such as vinegar, lemon and sea salt. There are no preservatives or nitrites added, except those naturally occurring in the ingredients, and no fillers or artificial flavors. There are six varieties of Natural Selections deli meats available pre-sliced in resealable 175 gram packages — Oven-Roasted Turkey Breast, Oven-Roasted Chicken Breast, Baked Ham, Black Forest Ham, Baked Honey Ham and Hardwood Smoked Salami.

Five varieties are also available for slicing at the deli counter — Oven-Roasted Turkey Breast, Oven-Roasted Chicken Breast, Baked Ham, Black Forest Ham and Roast Beef. Natural Selections deli meats are available in grocery stores throughout Canada.

Product of the Year is the broadest category distinction award that rewards innovation, is voted on by consumers and has global recognition. This consumer-driven award, established in France more 24 years ago, is presented annually in more than 25 countries, including the US, the UK, Brazil, Italy, Australia, South Africa, India and Canada.