In this engaging and eye-opening episode, we begin by addressing the perception problem that plagues New Product Development (NPD) teams in the food industry.

We stress the significance of the NPD role, which other departments often misunderstand and undervalue. We share our frustration over common misconceptions and the unseen effort that goes into creating successful food products.

We talk about the delicate balancing act of cost versus quality. With the current economic climate, inflation, and supply chain issues, product developers face unprecedented pressure to maintain product standards while cutting costs.

We shed light on the complex decision-making process that involves adhering to regulations, staying profitable, and delivering consumer satisfaction.

The topic of ever-changing compliance and guidelines emerges next. With new additives, HFSS regulations, and nutritional standards constantly evolving, NPD teams must stay agile and informed. We touch on the environmental and sustainability concerns that add another layer of complexity to roles.

We emphasise the need for businesses to support their NPD teams in this regard, promoting sustainable practices without compromising on product quality.

Interpersonal skills and cross-functional relationship management are other focal points of the discussion. NPD professionals must wear many hats, from dealing with suppliers to working with the technical team and managing factory logistics. We argue that these skills are critical and often underappreciated in the industry.

Finally, we discuss the growing challenge of finding and retaining the right talent in NPD teams. We point out a worrying trend of professionals moving out of the industry or shifting to other roles due to mismatched expectations and a lack of awareness about the realities of an NPD career.

The episode concludes by urging businesses to offer better training, support, and representation for NPD at the board level.

Timestamps:

[00:00] Introduction: Importance of product development in the food industry

[00:37] Amy's perspective on undervaluation in NPD

[01:56] Lucy shares her experiences and challenges as a product developer

[03:44] Discussion on the complexity of product development

[05:03] Hidden aspects of NPD: Balancing cost vs. quality

[06:12] The pressures of cost management and quality control

[07:24] Division of responsibilities in NPD teams

[08:45] The custodians of quality: Role of NPD teams

[10:07] Tension between cost reduction and maintaining quality

[12:15] Ever-changing compliance and guidelines in the food industry

[14:33] Sustainability concerns and their impact on product development

[16:33] Showcasing the final product: The unseen chaos behind the scenes

[18:10] Managing cross-functional relationships and expectations

[18:51] The importance of interpersonal skills in NPD

[20:01] Mismatch between expectations and reality in NPD careers

[21:16] Addressing additional responsibilities placed on NPD teams

[22:33] The impact of economic downturns on NPD jobs

[23:33] Importance of support and representation for NPD teams

Links and Resources:

Website Link: https://ohforfoodssake.co.uk/

FB Link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ohforfoodsake

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oh-for-food-s-sake/

You can follow us here on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oh_forfoodssake/

For industry consulting from Lucy, connect with her on Instagram or LinkedIn.

Find her on Instagram or LinkedIn for further support with industry coaching and facilitation from Amy.

See you next time!