All products are checked for completeness by Statista in the first step. All companies and agencies that properly submit a product from at least one of the six categories here on the website are eligible to participate. In addition to product images, we require information about the product and the participating company.

After the closing date for entries, all data on the products submitted will be prepared for the readers’ vote. More than 200,000 digital subscribers of the Süddeutsche Zeitung are then called upon to rate these products in a qualified questionnaire according to the criteria of benefit, USP, quality, functionality, design, sustainability, recommendation and purchase intention. The 20% of the worst-rated products are eliminated at this point and no longer have a chance of receiving the seal of qualityt as Germany’s Favourite. In the next step, all other products will be given a final rating by the expert council according to the same criteria.

The expert panel evaluates the products using the same criteria as the reader panel. Weighted 50 / 50 in each case. Additionally equipped with a right of veto, it can make quick decisions and remove products from the competition – but not single-handedly award them.

Each expert has years of experience and in-depth knowledge of the respective brands and products. Only with this expertise is it possible to make a valid decision and select the best products for each product category.