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V. L. DE LA HUERGA, Beverage Business Unit, WILD Flavors, Inc., 1261 Pacific Ave., Erlanger, KY 41018, D. A. Poskanzer, Marketing Services & Sensory Evaluation, WILD Flavors, Inc., 1261 Pacific Ave., Erlanger, KY 41018, and H. Ashman, The Understanding & Insight Group, 5281 Cascade Dr., Powell, OH 43065. Long ago are the days when a consumer products company just looked towards their supplier to send a few samples for review. Organizations are in constant states of restructuring, and everyone has resource challenges. Corporations need a competitive advantage, and they need to get to market quickly. Not only do they look to their suppliers for innovation and concepts, they are now looking for and embracing those suppliers who can deliver service (including product development, sensory, QC, Regulatory, Start-up support, Tech service). Suppliers must set themselves apart – because they also face fierce competition. This talk will discuss some of the ways that suppliers can be part of the development process, and form mutually beneficial relationships. Key ideas presented include: Turn key product development, a total service approach, and providing a global vision. Other successful ways of partnering include commitments to quality, customers and continuous improvement. Lastly, suppliers need to have a clear understanding of concept to market. R&D organizations welcome innovative Market Research on trends, categories, and competitors. Foundation studies, are a great tool that can provide vision, and help developers understand key product attributes and the impact of other factors such as current trends in health and specialty ingredients, as well as the influence of emotional/situational elements and brands/ benefits.
Session 11, Product development in a changing world
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