Today's rapidly evolving consumer frequently changes eating habits, tastes, and diet. Therefore, to secure financial solvency, food and beverage companies must continually define, develop, and market new products. This comprehensive volume integrates all aspects of the physical food and beverage product development cycle and provides perspectives on how to optimize each component of the new product equation in the food industry. It discusses both the technical and the marketing sides, emphasizing the necessity for a combined focus of both the product/process and the people/market. The inclusion of case studies makes the book suitable for a classroom text or a professional reference.

This book provides an objective overview of the hectic, often chaotic, and frequently unpredictable new food product development process. The stages of development are described from the vantage points of the technologist, marketer, and senior management by an author who has worn all three hats. The book covers the various stages of product development, including generating and sifting ideas against the company's objectives, the consumers' perceived needs and expectations, the competitiveness of the marketplace, the technologist's ability to create and manufacture a safe product within budget, and test marketing. Problems facing both small and large companies are confronted and solutions are proposed. Test marketing and the evaluation of such tests are discussed with some new suggestions for interpreting the criteria used. A chapter on organization presents ideas for fostering creativity and avoiding communication and personality conflicts. Trends in new ingredients and technologies to assist in the design of new products are given full coverage. The last chapter is devoted to the future, with stimulating discussion of new challenges to current trends in the industry.

An important resource for employers, career counselors, and job seekers, this handbook contains current information on today's occupations and future hiring trends, and features detailed descriptions of more than 250 occupations. Find out what occupations entail their working conditions, the training and education needed for these positions, their earnings, and their advancement potential. Also includes summary information on 116 additional occupations.