This module introduces you to an innovation process for a food or beverage manufacturer. It examines the benefits of implementing a robust, structured Innovation Process. It introduces the key steps and stage gates in an Innovation Process and looks at the functions that need to engage for successful innovation.

Module 2 delves into the first four steps of the innovation process and explores the product portfolio, food values, design criteria, food and consumer trends, markets, cultures, consumers groups, generations, product and package opportunities. It introduces mechanisms to screen ideas, assess feasibility of options and develop a comprehensive design brief. These topics inform product development, product positioning and the power of your brand with a view to winning and retaining consumers.

Module 3 examines the impact of ingredients, packages and suppliers in your innovation process and outlines the steps necessary to ensure consistency of supply and to protect your brand.

You must score 80% or more to pass this assessment.

Module 5 explores what’s needed for successful brand agency interactions and outputs. It looks at what constitutes a positive consumer experience for label interactions and covers the information you provide to the brand agency such that they can design labels and artwork to fit the product concept and meet your expectations.

Module 6 delves into technical and operating standards and explores the recipe, consumer validating your concept, specifications, test methods, manufacturing and technical requirements, scale up, manufacturing process instructions and shelf life studies. These topics inform your operating standards, company policies and portfolio management process.

Module 7 introduces mechanisms to sustain performance. The topics explored are retail monitoring post launch, the innovation scorecard, the role of the innovation process manager and the tools needed for effective implementation of an innovation process.

You must score 80% or more to pass this assessment.