Social Network for Consumer Packaged Goods Launched

Consmr, a new social network that allows users to review and "check in" to consumer packaged goods, launched in beta with partners including media publishers and CPG brands.

The network’s website allows users to rate and interact with products across 20 categories including beverages, frozen foods, skin care, and makeup. Users can check in and broadcast their usage of products to Facebook and Twitter. Ratings can be similarly shared to other social networks.

"When I shop, I never know what organic foods to buy or which face wash is the best," said Consmr co-founder and CEO Ryan Charles. "Our goal is to answer those questions with a social resource for everyday products. We provide a forum to share opinions, assist with the trial and error shopping process, and promote product discovery through friends and community."

Through a partnership with Rodale, publisher of health and wellness lifestyle magazines, visitors to Consmr will also have access to tips and reviews from Men's Health, Women's Health, and Prevention magazines.

"Rodale's brands have, for years, built trust and authority with readers by testing, rating, and recommending the best products -- from smart, healthy foods to beauty and grooming purchases," said Matt Bean, AVP of mobile, social, and emerging media for Rodale Inc. "Extending that authority and trust right up to the point of purchase with an exciting new platform like Consmr helps us take the relationship one step further, and reach an entirely new set of readers in the process."

Contributions are rewarded through virtual badges known as "flair." The combination of badges and shared activity presents an opportunity for brands to engage in a new form of social media. Chobani / Agro Farma will be providing unique badges when users check-in to their products. "Partnering with Consmr was a no-brainer for us," said Emily Schildt, communications manager at Chobani. "Our communications focus is simple: be honest, fun, and most importantly, accessible. This network provides yet another great way for us to interact with our consumers, and form a community relationship."