Producing a new food product, bringing it to market, and then successfully selling it, is no easy task.
It is difficult to get an exact figure, but most research indicates that at least half of new products fail within a year of launching.
It is no surprise when you consider just how competitive the food industry is – in the UK, it is the largest manufacturing sector.
Taking all of that into account, getting your new product “just right” is a challenge that requires skill, knowledge, and in most cases, deep category expertise and experience.
In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, made in partnership with IFF, we look at some of the ways companies can achieve that ultimate aim of producing a product that consumers actually want to buy.
Attend our Tastes of Better events in Ascot, Manchester and Dublin
It is a form of art, but with a healthy dose of science, crucially, everything we talk about in the podcast is underpinned by solid insights and a wealth of experience.
So, how do you go about finding out what customers really want? How do you get a deeper understanding of their short, mid, and long-term concerns? And how do you use all of that information to successfully develop a new product?
Attend our Sustainability events in April
Matthew Stokes, Design Director, North Europe, IFF
With over 30 years of experience in the food ingredient world, Matthew has held various different roles – all of which have been dedicated to flavour delivery and its importance on consumer preference. With a background and formative training as a flavourist, there is very little that Matthew doesn’t know about great taste.
Having a huge passion for all things food and beverage, Matthew enjoys nothing more than connecting to customers to solve taste challenges and optimizing product performance. When it comes to taste, there is no compromise and that means ever ensuing the perfect solution which is a floorless blend of science and creativity.
Laurent Venzi, Sales Director, North Europe, IFF
Passionate by food & beverages and always looking to bring new solutions to the industry. With a background in Food technology from Lausanne, Laurent has been in several professional roles over the last 25 years including working in B2C as well as B2B. His previous positions included accountability to develop, implement and drive strategies for IFF Flavours in France, UK and Global Accounts. Currently, he is engaged to lead the North Europe Commercial team to accelerate further growth in the region.
Food Matters Live and IFF
Food Matters Live are delighted that IFF are partnering with us at a number of our events in 2024.
You can visit them at the Food Matters Live Tastes of Better series of events which are taking place in Ascot on April 16th-17th, Manchester May 21st-22nd, and Dublin November 5th-6th.
Find out more about Tastes of Better.
IFF are also partnering with us for the Food Matters Live Sustainable Sourcing event, which is taking place in Ascot on April 15th-17th.