This course provides those working in and alongside the New Product Development process in the Food Industry, with the knowledge, understanding and tools that they need to successfully take an idea from consumer need and concept, all the way through to launch.

In this course, we cover all the stages of the Stage Gate process used by manufacturers and retailers across the UK, and is ideal for those starting out or those who support the NPD process.

We cover not just what you need to do but why you need to do it and how to get stakeholders on board along the way.

NPD Fundamentals is really useful for people early in their career or business in food manufacturing or retail/food service, and for those in supporting roles of the NPD process, to gain a better understanding of the overall process.

Typical attendees are:

• Start-up and scaling food businesses

• Product Developers

• Commercial Managers

• Food technologists

• Development chefs

• Brand Managers

The NPD Fundamentals course is structured with your success in mind…

We break the course down into bite-size chunks to avoid information overload and allow time each week for some practical “homework” to help embed the knowledge.

Throughout the course, we cover not only what you need to do but the “soft” skills you need to use to help project manage throughout the process.

By the end of course you will:

• Have a good understanding of all the stages of the stage gate processes

• Know the benefits of consumer understanding and why that is where all NPD should start

• Be able to list the key fundamentals of developing a product from concept to launch

• Understand some of the challenges of scaling a product and what you can do about them

• Be able to identify the key stakeholders in your own NPD process

• Apply the theory in your role in real life (we encourage this throughout the course)

Note: this course can also be customised to business needs as a bespoke service.

Introduction to New Product Development and overview of the stage gate process

We cover the importance of NPD and demystify some of the language that is used around product development, as well as giving an overview of the stage gate process.

Identifying the need and idea generation

Who’s your consumer? What’s the need? We give you all the questions need to be asking right at the start of the process and tools to help you generate ideas.

Feasibility and Brief

We talk through how, before you even get into the kitchen, you must have a real understanding of the commercial opportunities and barriers you’ll need to overcome to launch this product.

Developing the Product and Proposition

We cover how you develop the product in the kitchen / pilot plant and the key considerations around costings, shelf life, quality attributes and controls. We also cover how to build your proposition to sell the concept to the business or your customers.

Scale up and Launch

Scaling up isn’t always as easy as it sounds. We share what you need to do to ensure a smooth scale up process and how to get your product launched! We will also cover the considerations around launch activation that you need to think about to give your new product the best chance of success.

Post launch review and course round up 

This all too often skipped stage of the launch process is vital to understanding how your new product is performing but also to take learnings into future projects.

NPD Fundamentals

£349

What’s the format of the course?

This course is self-guided, with each module featuring 3 videos and a workbook to accompany the learning. Over 6 modules, you’ll gain valuable insights and practical tools to support your development, whilst working through your own case study.

When can I start?

As the course is self-guided, you have the flexibility to sign up and start at any time that suits you.

How long will it take to complete?

Each module is designed to take around 45 minutes to complete, with additional time set aside for you to work through the accompanying case study.

Is there an exam or assessment?

No, there is no formal exam. However, we provide downloadable workbooks for you to use, allowing you to apply what you’ve learned at your own pace.

Can my work pay for this course?

Yes, your company can pay using a corporate credit card. If you need to set up a purchase order, simply get in touch with us at hello@ohforfoodssake.co.uk, and we’ll be happy to assist.

Can I do it with a colleague and support each other?

Yes, absolutely! We encourage you to work through the course with a colleague for mutual support. However, we do ask that each participant purchases their own copy of the course, as the content shouldn’t be shared. If your business is interested in enrolling multiple participants, we may be able to arrange a discounted rate—just reach out to us for more details.