Right now, most companies are looking at what to launch over the next 12-18 months. And the brands that are winning? They’re the ones that dig into consumer behavior. Think about how brands like Danone, Impossible Foods, and Ben & Jerry's have completely shifted their markets by focusing on what their consumers really care about. In FMCG, where competition is fierce, product innovation has gone from being a “nice-to-have” to an absolute necessity. But if you’re leading an R&D team, you already know that it’s not just about collecting data. It’s about getting to the heart of what makes people tick. The more you know about your consumers' needs and desires, the more you can create products that aren’t just innovative but essential. Success lies in knowing what your consumers value—sustainability, ethics, convenience, health, and all of those things. That’s where the real opportunities are. So, keep your eyes on the consumer and build from there. R&D and Technical teams: keep driving those insights and be Spec-tacular!
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This is how I know the industry is confined when it comes to innovation. When was the last time you walked down the chilled isle and noticed something new? There was loads of investment in new product development before Covid. For example, when plant-based products hit the stores it was amazing! People thought it was going to completely shake up the industry. Now I think companies are focusing on making small changes and improving current products. But is the industry failing to innovate and what are the barriers to NEW product development? I'd love to hear your thoughts. #Recruitment #FMCG #FoodManufacturing
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Innovation—the art of staying relevant in a world where everything else is déjà vu. Today, as I pondered what to post, a curious thought struck me: "What inspired the creation of this peanut I'm eating? Isn't it just groundnut wrapped in flour?" And now peanuts are ubiquitous. Well, welcome to the FMCG market, where saturation is the norm. Amidst a sea of consumer goods, it's easy to feel lost as to what to do next. But fear not! Here are my two cents on how to master the art of innovation: 1. Stay customer-centric: Know your target audience like the back of your hand to uncover untapped market opportunities. 2. Embrace Agility: Flexibility is your friend! The FMCG market trends are not fixed, so be ready to pivot at a moment's notice to keep pace with changing trends. 3. Foster Collaboration: Collaboration fuels creativity. Work with your team to unleash creative potential and conquer the market together. Don't forget that you and your entire team are also consumers. And then there's creating a want: my personal favorite. Take peanuts, for instance. They weren't a necessity, but through clever repackaging and marketing, they became a desired commodity. Innovation isn't just thinking outside the box. Sometimes, the box needs to be repackaged, and other times, the box needs to be shattered. Ready to shatter the status quo? Let's pave our way to success in the FMCG sector through innovation! 💡 #Innovation #FMCG #MarketSaturation
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Many businesses see innovation as simply coming up with new products or tools, but for Chief Research & Development Officer and Executive Committee Member at Reckitt Dr. Angela Taha Naef, PhD (She/Her) it is much more about mindset and culture. This article is a refreshing take on fostering innovation within any organization, providing three invaluable tips for business leaders eager to embrace change and propel their teams forward. The piece includes a call to adopt a scientist’s mindset, promoting the importance of curiosity and creativity. https://lnkd.in/dj2T4xqe
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CPG Marketing & Innovation Leaders: Remember when Disruption meant a call 📞 from the principal about your 6 year old’s antics at rug time? (just me?) Ahhh, such simpler times. But the 2000s tech visionaries and bros ushered in the now prevailing definition: “a radical change to an existing industry or market due to technological innovation.“ I’ll be honest—I’ve struggled with the D-word, even throughout a career in innovation with that exact lofty goal. “Disruptive” innovation in CPG happens far less frequently than in tech, carries more risk, slower time and lower odds to get to market, and requires huge investment to launch and sustain. A daunting bar to clear.🚧 So I was first curious, then energized, by this straightforward definition from SPINS, a leading analytics and insights firm: “𝘋𝘪𝘴𝘳𝘶𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘵𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘣𝘶𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘵 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘵𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘳𝘶𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘴: 𝘐𝘯𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘚𝘶𝘳𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘎𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘵𝘩, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘵 𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯.” This was a💡 moment for me, and might be for others fighting the good innovation fight: 𝘿𝙞𝙨𝙧𝙪𝙥𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙞𝙨𝙣’𝙩 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙏𝙃𝙄𝙉𝙂, 𝙞t'𝙨 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙏𝙃𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙚𝙩 𝙖𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙩 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚. HOW it comes to life in market --from target insight to channel to message and activation-- is just as important as WHAT it is. You may not know it’s disruptive…until you do. I highly recommend the report, which features examples from pickles, to squeezable packaging, to marine sourced sustainable superfoods. Find it on the SPINS website/link in comments. What's an example of a disruption that surprised you, or just blew you away? #innovation #strategy #insights I'm Elizabeth, and I help consumer marketing leaders harness strategic insights to fuel brand growth and market impact. DM me to talk Trends, Strategy, and Insight-driven Innovation.
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In the fast-paced world of CPG, perfectionism can be a major roadblock to innovation. Why wait to perfect an idea when consumers may not even notice the small details we obsess over? Our latest blog from Managing Director Caragh McLaughlin, we explore how to take a more balanced approach to refining innovation ideas. #DisruptiveInnovation #CPGInnovation #InnovationStrategies
The Surprising Success of Imperfect Products in CPG Innovation — Mission Field
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I went into a session with Nestlé’s Head of Strategic Business Units today with no expectations and left feeling not only inspired, but also with a greater pulse of the business. Some key takeaways I would like to share with other insights professionals in my network which stuck with me, while some not new, it was good to be reminded of the following: 1. Insights as a function is at the forefront of disruption from the proliferation of technology: How many of us are truly exploring and piloting new ways to answer business issues? Credible experience on this front is the need of the hour, awareness alone will not cut it. 2. Insights can make or break innovations: The right research approach should be applied at relevant stages of the innovation cycle as it not only reduces the high attrition we unfortunately face but also leads to a higher success rate in market. 3. Maximizing your insights community: Understand what went behind successful innovations from other categories and adopt best practices, this only happens if you are truly curious and have a learning mindset. The success rate is higher for some categories not due to chance.
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Innovation isn't just a buzzword; it's the cornerstone of success in the CPG industry. As the landscape evolves, so do consumer preferences, market dynamics, and technological advancements. That's why at Product of the Year, we understand that innovation isn't just an option—it's our driving force. Here's why fostering innovation is crucial for CPG success: 1️⃣ Meeting Evolving Consumer Demands: Today's consumers are more discerning than ever. They crave products that not only meet their needs but also align with their values. At Product of the Year, we're committed to identifying and celebrating innovative products that resonate deeply with consumers, whether it's through sustainability, health-conscious ingredients, or unmatched convenience. 2️⃣ Staying Competitive: In a crowded marketplace, differentiation is key. Innovative products set us apart from the competition, helping us capture market share and maintain our position as industry leaders. As the largest consumer-voted award for product innovation, Product of the Year recognizes and amplifies the most innovative products, giving winners a competitive edge in the market. 3️⃣ Driving Growth: Innovation fuels growth by opening doors to new revenue streams and business opportunities. Whether it's tapping into emerging trends, expanding into new markets, or leveraging cutting-edge technology, innovation is the catalyst for success. By partnering with Product of the Year, brands can showcase their innovative products to millions of consumers, driving awareness and sales. 4️⃣ Adapting to Change: The CPG industry is constantly evolving, and agility is essential for success. Innovation enables us to anticipate and respond to change proactively, ensuring we're always one step ahead. At Product of the Year, we're committed to staying at the forefront of industry trends and helping brands navigate the ever-changing landscape. Join us on our innovation journey as we continue to shape the future of CPG with Product of the Year! 💪 #Innovation #CPG #ProductoftheYear
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Both COVID and post-COVID pressures have shaped CPGs to be more efficiency and scale focused than ever. How will that impact the innovation landscape moving forward?
✨ Are we re-entering the small brand disruptor era? ✨ McKinsey & Company’s recent industry report is a reminder that today’s CPG landscape remains heavily shaped by the pandemic: “Before the pandemic, large brands’ loss of market share was a big story. From 2016–19, US small brands (those with less than $150 million in revenue) generated 50 percent of value growth despite representing only 11 percent of 2016 revenues” 😷 But with the disruption of COVID, big companies had the influence and manpower to get product on shelves – ankle biters were abated. The ensuing inflation pressure and volume contraction has led CPGs to cut costs through hyper-efficient operations on a limited assortment – making innovation P&Ls even tougher to justify than they already were. 💡 With a few exceptions (Kraft Heinz has been a bastion of innovation lately), truly disruptive innovation relies on small companies with the patience to scale slowly (see Siete Family Foods). Small companies build valuable consumer equity as they grow through emerging trends while big CPGs wait to launch ‘at-scale’. 🤔 So my question is this: As today’s CPGs become even more efficiency and scale-oriented, will disruptive innovation rely increasingly on new entrants? Let’s discuss 👇
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Our latest Courageous Minds Only event was a hit on May 16th, 2024! Leaders from Nielsen IQ, PLEZi Nutrition, Instant Brands, and EX3 Labs came together to share insights on courage, career evolution, and innovation strategies. A big shoutout to our partners at 1871 for their support! Here's a quick recap: 1️⃣ Prioritize testing and embrace new learning methodologies. 2️⃣ Focus on meeting consumers' evolving needs to drive innovation. 3️⃣ Dedicate resources to nurturing groundbreaking ideas for long-term success. 4️⃣ Maintain emotional resilience to recognize opportunities amidst challenges. 5️⃣ Cultivate strategic partnerships to amplify your impact – teamwork makes the dream work! To see the full recap of our latest event visit the website below and join the Courageous Minds Only Community! #CourageousMindsOnly #InnovationLeaders #FindingInspiration #MakingCareerMoves
5 Innovation Takeaways from Industry Leaders - Courageous Minds Only May 2024 | The Garage Group
https://www.thegaragegroup.com
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