This document summarizes the process for developing and launching a specialty food product from concept to market. It discusses validating the initial product idea, developing a plan of work and business plan. Key steps in the process include product development such as considering food safety and regulations, packaging and labeling requirements. The document also addresses estimating market sales and outlines potential markets for selling directly to customers through venues like farmers markets or retail through independent stores and chains.

1. BUSINESS INNOVATION IN FOOD,
AGRICULTURE, NATURAL
RESOURCES, AND THE BIOECONOMY
Michigan Made Specialty Food
Products: From Concept to Launch
Frank Gublo
Dianne Novak
MSU Product Center

2. Concept To Launch www.productcenter.msu.edu
www productcenter msu edu
Validating your specialty food product idea
– Concept - a plausible idea?
– Developing a Plan of Work – adding framework
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– Business Plan – a trial run
– Product Development – tinkering with the recipe
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– Estimating Market Sales – generating money
PRODUCT LAUNCH

3. Food Product Idea www.productcenter.msu.edu
www productcenter msu edu
CONCEPT Development
PLAN OF WORK
Business Plan
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Product Development
Sales Plan

4. Product Development
p www.productcenter.msu.edu
www productcenter msu edu
• Food Safety
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– Stored where?
• Shelf-stable - cooked or not?
• Freshly p p
y prepared – refrigerated
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• Freshly prepared – perishable
• Frozen
– Food safety regulations
• Better Process Control
• Shelf-life – not food quality
– Product Testing
• pH , water activity, recipe review
• Microbial for food-borne pathogens
• Regulatory
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– FDA vs USDA
– MDA

5. Product Development
oduct e e op e t www.productcenter.msu.edu
www productcenter msu edu
• Packaging
– Type of material/function
– Tamper resistant
– Environmental - “Green” package
• Labeling
– P i i l Di l P
Principal Display Panel
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– Information Panel – Nutrition Facts

6. Markets & Sales www.productcenter.msu.edu
www productcenter msu edu
• Direct to Customer
– Farmers’ Markets
– Craft Fairs & Food Shows (Making IT in MI)
– Personal Sales
• R t il
Retail
– Independents
– Chains
• Internet

7. Venture Development Office
101 Farrall Hall www.productcenter.msu.edu
www productcenter msu edu