Product Development

Abstract

Product development is a vital piece of any industry, especially the food industry. It drives innovation, advances technology, and encourages growth. With the increasing concern for the safety of the food supply, product development has become an important step in the overall business process to provide consumers with food they feel safe eating. As a result, the product development profession has become an increasingly important and rewarding line of work.

As the name implies, a product developer is responsible for developing new products to be introduced into the marketplace. This chapter will take a new developer or someone interested in the field through the process outlining project types and the steps of the development process. This is a brief synopsis of what to expect if you are interested in becoming a product developer, as well as how to have a successful product development career in the food industry if you’re just starting out.