Idea to production trial
End-to-end product development, from idea to production trial
You might be starting with an idea, a family recipe, or a product that works in your kitchen but changes when you make more of it. I take it through every stage in one plan, so you end with a formulation that tastes right, stays stable and can be made the same way every time.
The work
What end-to-end development covers
Not every project needs every stage. Your proposal includes only the stages your product needs.
Brief and desk study
We pin down the product: who it's for, the format, benchmark products, nutrition and cost targets, and the limits of your market and production setup.
Ingredients and sourcing
I shortlist ingredients and suppliers that fit the brief, so you can order samples.
Benchtop development
I develop prototypes in rounds, with structured tastings at each round.
Scale-up
The recipe becomes a batch formula with process steps and parameters for your kitchen, co-packer or plant.
Shelf life
I design the shelf-life study, coordinate it with an accredited lab and interpret the results.
Handover
Final formulation, process sheets and product specifications.
Deliverables
What you get
- FormulationIngredient weights and percentages for each version, with the final version marked.
- Process instructionsStep-by-step method with the critical steps and parameters called out.
- Ingredient and supplier shortlistOptions that fit your brief, your market and your volumes.
- Tasting recordsFeedback sheets and notes from every round, so decisions are traceable.
- Shelf-life study planStorage conditions, tests and timing, plus a recommendation once results are in.
- Product specificationThe document your team or manufacturer works from.
How long it takes
Most packaged foods take 3 to 6 months from concept to a product that's ready for a production trial. Shelf-life testing adds time. Your proposal includes a timeline built around your product and milestones.
What you'll need on your side
A kitchen, pilot facility or manufacturer for trials beyond benchtop scale. A budget for ingredient samples, lab testing and courier. Someone on your team to taste and give feedback, and decisions on target cost and positioning.
FAQ
Questions about this work
Do you have your own lab?
No. I do bench and kitchen-level development myself. Pilot runs, analytical testing and shelf-life testing happen at your facility, a co-packer, a rented pilot plant or an accredited lab, at your cost. I'll tell you upfront which parts of your project need which.
Can you work with my co-packer or manufacturer?
Yes. Trials can run at your co-packer or plant. I write the batch formula and process instructions, supervise trials over video and review the results with you.
How long does product development take?
Most packaged foods take 3 to 6 months from concept to a product that's ready for a production trial. Shelf-life testing adds time. Your proposal includes a timeline built around your product and milestones.
Talk through your project
Start with a free 30-minute discovery call. After the call, I send you a written proposal scoped to your project.