Ideation
Food Business Consulting offers product ideation, concepting and incubation as a stand alone service and as a preliminary step in a larger product development process. Ideation is both an art and science. The combination of our culinary experience and food science backgrounds helps us determine product opportunities and possibilities in a non-linear fashion. FBC utilizes specific methodologies which we use to take your product idea from conception to commercialization.
The ideation phase consists of a strategy session (or multiple sessions) which combine insights, experiences, market research, consumer trends with the ideas of product developers, owners and designers. We’ll work side-by-side with you to chart a course forward.
Product concepting and incubation naturally flows from initial ideation. After gaining deep insights from our initial ideation sessions, concrete product outlines are formed. These early stage concepts will drive our creative and procedural flows forward.
Product Development
Food product development starts with blending creative aspirations with the principles of food science. As food scientists – we provide the structure for development based on our years of expertise in the consumer packaged goods industry.
We conduct extensive research to understand market feasibility and conditions. For many projects, a prototype is created which is then rigorously tested using sensory evaluation (sight, smell, taste, touch and hearing). Factors we take into account during development include:
- Formulation
- Ingredients
- Processing
- Facilities
- Packaging
- Distribution
- Shelf Life
- Safety
Regulatory & Quality Assurance
Food manufacturing requires that certain certifications are attained ranging from HACCP, MSC, BRC, ISO and BAP. These certifications verify that a food product meets standard requirements and has been produced in a certain way or has met certain characteristics. Food production is controlled by a complexity of laws and regulations defined by government requirements. The process by which a product is developed and produced must meet specific standards and specifications. Food Business Consulting is able to effectively navigate all the various product regulations for both food and beverages.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) are crucial to the success of a facility’s production of safe, uncontaminated food. Food Business Consulting provides written documentation and protocols which are defined and developed to ensure standardization, consistency, clarity, supply usage and more.
Commercialization
Commercialization is the process of bringing new products to the market. It is wide ranging and includes every step from the initial concept to a finished product in the market. Using our pipeline management expertise we ensure a product goes from early market opportunity assessments, through prototype development to scale-up and final product launch.
Food Business Consulting also provides sourcing, a critical component to commercialization. Properly specifying, sourcing and managing raw materials can boost productivity and provide competitive product pricing.
We also offer Co-Packing Management by way of product analysis, developing timelines, creating production and delivery schedules, quality control and execution.
Acquisition Advisement
Are you looking for an advisement partner? Food Business Consulting had over 40 years of experience in the food production industry and we have worked with all sizes of companies from startup to emerging and legacy. At this point, we’ve seen it all. Having our talented team in your corner means you can be confident you’ll have the facts to proceed with an acquisition. We’ll help you with due diligence to potentially uncover significant issues pertaining to processing environments, food safety plans, labeling and claims substantiations, hygiene procedures and compliance concerns.
We can advise all the way along the pipeline. Our unique skill sets give us a birds eye view of manufacturing facilities, team capabilities, food acquisition and what it takes for successful commercialization.
Packaging Development
Choosing a partner with a forward thinking approach is critical as new and innovative packaging is coming to the market all the time. Proper food packaging development is multidimensional and wide ranging.
It is imperative that you work with a food product company that has a deep understanding of the interplay between all these various elements and how they relate to the product.
Many factors need to be considered when creating the perfect package for food and beverage products. Examples are:
- Freshness
- Sensory perception
- Convenience
- Sustainability
- Product safety
- Shelf life
- Retention of nutritional qualities
- Recyclability
Branding & Marketing
Branding and marketing is a crucial piece of launching your business and products. We take the launch of your products into the market seriously and can help you build a unique selling proposition for your company and products. Collaborating with you to build a communications strategy and marketing tactics that will set you up for success. Our goal is to develop consistent and authentic messaging through all elements of your marketing program. We have a proven roadmap to connect with your target audience, build brand awareness and develop consumer advocacy. Let us help you grow your company story.
- Brand strategy and identity
- Product features and benefits
- Packaging design
- Sales and marketing materials
- Social media
- Website design and development
- Media relations
