Inside the Ingredient Selection Process

Food and beverage manufacturers would be remiss not to consider market trends when formulating new products. So why dont ingredient manufacturers take the time to find out what R&D and foodservice folks are looking for?

The Cherry Marketing Institute (CMI) wondered the same thing, then the organization took action. In March 2010, CMI commissioned a study designed to dissect" the ingredient selection process at major food companies. Results of the study are detailed in a Natural Products INSIDER article titled Anatomy of a Decision." 

After speaking in-depth with senior R&D and marketing executives from 17 major food manufacturers, as well as foodservice operators, the researchers gleaned several key findings. According to the article, consumer preference for an ingredient is the No. 1 determining factor for its use, and right now, superfruits are the most in-demand ingredients. The survey also revealed that most product ideas must pass through a series of management channels before getting the go-aheador not. In addition, R&D works closely with marketing to determine the commercial viability of a product with a particular ingredient.

Click here to read more about the ingredient selection process.