Meet the Experts: Who is Behind the Monde Selection Jury?

At the heart of Monde Selection’s awards lies an essential ingredient: a group of more than 100 dedicated experts who bring together deep knowledge, expertise, and a commitment to impartiality. Each year, this diverse jury examines thousands of products, providing a reliable assessment that consumers and brands alike can trust. But who are these experts, how are they chosen, and what does the evaluation process look like?

Selecting the experts: A commitment to excellence and independence

Monde Selection relies on multiple dedicated juries, each assigned to a specific product category, such as Food, Beverages, Cosmetics, Diet & Health, and more. Each jury is composed of specialized professionals from various fields, chosen specifically to meet the evaluation needs of their respective category. This tailored structure allows each product to be evaluated with both a solid foundation in quality assessment and a deep understanding of the unique criteria relevant to their assigned category.

For example, the Food Jury includes chefs and culinary specialists who focus on context, unique qualities, and sensory attributes. In contrast, the Cosmetics or Diet & Health Jury is comprised of scientists, nutritionists, and industry professionals who examine aspects such as product safety, ingredient quality, and regulatory compliance. They apply strict scientific standards to ensure that health and wellness products are safe, effective, and meet industry regulations.

The selection process is rigorous and designed to ensure legitimacy in evaluating products from around the world. Monde Selection carefully selects individuals with extensive experience in their fields, proven expertise, and a strong commitment to impartiality. Experts are sourced for their international expertise, bringing a wealth of multicultural and global knowledge. This diverse background enables to fully appreciate the unique characteristics, cultural contexts, and market expectations of products from different regions. By assembling specialized juries, Monde Selection ensures that each product is evaluated with the highest level of relevance, credibility, and knowledge, leading to a balanced and thorough assessment.

The dynamics of evaluation session

When a product arrives for evaluation, the process goes far beyond a simple blind test. At Monde Selection, testing sessions are carefully structured to allow to experience each product in its entirety —not just through sensory or scientific lenses, but by considering its broader context, purpose, and promises to consumers. This holistic approach ensures that every product is evaluated on its intended qualities and market relevance.

1. Product presentation :
   
   Each product is first introduced to the jury with relevant information about its category, intended purpose, and target market. This step provides context, allowing to understand the product’s objectives:
   • For food and beverages: The product’s goal might center on sensory satisfaction, such as delivering appealing taste, aroma, or texture.
   • For non-food items like cosmetics or health products: The evaluation focuses on the clarity and accuracy of consumer-facing information, including label transparency, the validity of claims, and the ease of understanding the product’s intended purpose. This ensures that the product meets the expectations of its target audience while adhering to high standards of communication and transparency.
   By aligning the evaluation with the product’s intended purpose, the jury ensures that their assessment reflects the expectations of its target audience.
   
   
2. Individual evaluation :
   
   The jury then proceeds to taste or examine each product independently, depending on its type.
   • For food and beverages: This involves a detailed sensory evaluation where experts analyze flavor, aroma, texture, and appearance.
   • For cosmetics: Experts focus on sensory factors such as application, texture, fragrance, and functionality.
   • For Diet and Health, as well as cosmetics: The emphasis is on assessing the effectiveness of active ingredients in relation to the product’s intended purpose and claimed benefits. The jury also evaluates the safety and innovation of the formulation, ensuring that the product adheres to strict health and regulatory standards.
   Each expert individually records their observations, ensuring that initial impressions are unbiased.
   
   
3. Discussion and exchange of insights:
   
   Following the experts engage in a structured discussion, sharing their impressions and insights. This collaborative exchange is crucial; it allows to bring their perspective to the table, creating a more rounded evaluation. Differences in opinions are welcomed and discussed openly, which strengthens the credibility and depth of the assessment.

The importance of a comprehensive evaluation

Monde Selection’s evaluation process goes beyond taste or aesthetic appeal. Each product is reviewed as a whole, taking into account its unique qualities, purpose, context, and adherence to category-specific standards. This holistic approach sets Monde Selection apart, ensuring that products are evaluated not just on their immediate sensory attributes but on their overall value and suitability for the intended market.

Conclusion: expertise and impartiality in every award

Behind each Monde Selection award is a group of experts who bring their dedication, knowledge, and objectivity to the table. Through a combination of individual assessments, collaborative discussions, and partnerships with specialized institutions, they ensure that every product is thoroughly reviewed and fairly evaluated. For brands, a Monde Selection award is more than just a label—it’s a testament to the high standards upheld by a team of professionals committed to recognizing quality.

Whether you’re a consumer seeking trustworthy products or a brand aiming to stand out in a competitive market, you can be confident that each Monde Selection award represents a rigorous, expert-backed evaluation process. At Monde Selection, we believe in the value of expertise, collaboration, and impartiality—values that have guided us since 1961.