From Concept to Bowl: Translating Vision Into a Successful New Product to Market with guests Leah Lambrakis, Simmons Pet Food and Dr. James Templeman, Primal Pet Foods

Leah gave a presentation titled “From Concept to Bowl: Translating Vision Into a Successful New Product to Market.” She describes the process at her company as a complex, highly collaborative technical process that requires cross-functional collaboration. Simmons uses a stage-gate new product development process, allowing all teams to co-own the initiative.  (5:45) The panel talks through different stages of taking a new product to market and what each entails. Ideation and market research to establish a need lead to product development. Depending on timelines, palatability testing could happen during product development, but may have to wait until scale-up, and there are trade-offs with each option. (6:57) Kim asks James and Leah to talk about their perspectives on nutritional needs and innovation in the senior pet space. They also talk about pet obesity and the importance of pet parent education on this topic. Leah mentions that a food log may be helpful in a multi-human household where many opportunities for feeding and treating may occur. (15:45) Leah talks more about the post-launch reflection, review, and commercialization stage, which focuses on analytical and process capability. Is the process consistently repeatable in all conditions? She also notes that at her company, they look back to expected launch volume and see how well the product is doing a year or two post-launch. James chimes in that the reflection stage is also a great way to evaluate each stage and gate to see if any improvements are needed in the entire process of getting a product to market. (30:18) The panel reflects on which stage each person finds most challenging in the process. They emphasize the importance of good communication and cross-functional teams. Lastly, they talk about common pitfalls and challenges both during and after the process of bringing a new product to market.  (33:25) Scott asks about the demographics of pet parents and how that plays into new product innovation. The panel shares about their pets. (48:22) Panelists share their take-home thoughts. (52:41) Please subscribe and share with your industry friends to invite more people to join us at the Real Science Exchange - Companion Animal virtual pub table.   If you want one of our Real Science Exchange t-shirts, screenshot your rating, review, or subscription, and email a picture to [email protected]. Include your size and mailing address, and we’ll mail you a shirt.