Sunday, January 13, 2013

Using Food Product Development Strategically

By Rosetta Crane


Food product development is a field with an extreme amount of experience, knowledge and best practices behind it. For this reason, it's platform is extremely sound, which makes the task of item design far simpler. Those who make use of the knowledge available can only succeed, however, if they also have knowledge of the market's trends. These will have an impact on every stage in an item's life, and marketing focus will enable the best profitability.

The industry is undergoing some enormous changes that are fueling most first world development choices in the food industry. On the whole, customers are choosing healthier items, but there are some niche trends to pay attention to. High fiber, low glycemic index and whole grains are drawing the biggest market share. There is an increased concern with weight loss, and clients are choosing items with low levels of sodium.

Cardiac health is one of the most important trends to keep in mind when developing foods. Consumers are seeking items that have minimum additional ingredients, such as preservatives and flavorants. They are also seeking specific sources of nutrients, including superfoods, prebiotics and chemicals that act as anti-inflammatories.

MSG content and high levels of fructose and glucose are not acceptable to contemporary consumers. There is a powerful move towards niche flavors. Ice creams have spices added, drinks are flavored with nutty tastes and flower aromas are added to yogurt, beverages and sweets.

Those specializing in the development of product ranges require particularly potent leadership skills to control the product's life cycle at every point. Adaptations need to be made at all stages so that the optimum amount of market share is retained. Strategies need to be built with a consideration to marketing requirements so that items are priced and distributed as the target market needs them to be.

Planning is integral to successful management of product life cycles. The pricing strategy needs to be governed from the perspective of marketing strategy as well as financing. There are many tactics involved in setting price, and if they are not defined by the target market, the item is less likely to attract the necessary market share.

Planning must be implemented carefully. Pricing must be chosen in accordance with marketing information and budget. Competition is fierce in the foods industry, so innovation is key.

The definition of products is a vital part of the process. All recorded data is useful. It's important to note reusable components that can cross product lines to lower the expenses involved in the manufacture of similar items. It's equally crucial to be aware of one's choices in relation to the target market, so that managers can respond quickly to changes in demand.

The economy and income of a region influences an item's market relevance significantly. First world countries prefer products with high value, whilst third world countries have a greater need for low cost, nourishing foods. 80 percent of the global market lives on less than $10 a day, so those competing internationally may decide to market to the majority at low profit, or the minority at higher profits. Food product development always needs to stay up to date with world and niche trends, demand and changes in income and lifestyle.




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