Lucy Thomas is the Innovation Project Manager at innocent drinks. She has a Bsc Food Science, Reading, and worked at Unilver Bestfoods for 3 years. Her 7 years at innocent, mainly in product development, have included: kids’ smoothies, juicy waters, super smoothies, breakfast thickies, Rainforest Alliance banana sourcing, orange juice, veg pots and co-authoring the recipe book. She says:
Lucy Thomas is the Innovation Project Manager at innocent drinks. She has a Bsc Food Science, Reading, and worked at Unilver Bestfoods for 3 years. Her 7 years at innocent, mainly in product development, have included: kids’ smoothies, juicy waters, super smoothies, breakfast thickies, Rainforest Alliance banana sourcing, orange juice, veg pots and co-authoring the recipe book. She says:
1. Quality First
My first 2 years in the food industry were in technical. As every product developer knows, the first and foremost responsibility is to ensure that the products designed are safe. Secondly, if you don’t work with the best people, you won’t end up with a consistently great product in market. Ingredient suppliers, technologists and manufacturers – only ever work with the best.
2. Don’t Take No For an answer
Ask “why?” three times and you often get to the real answer. Many manufacturers and suppliers use process parameters and additives because they always have done. No-one has ever challenged: “Why?” and sought out a better alternative. Challenge the industry assumptions and you’ll push boundaries.
3. Consumer is king
Don’t be dumb and make important product decisions on a few opinions. Get products in front of consumers and test, refine and test again. Be creative to make quick sense checks, which are cost-effective. Make Survey Monkey your best friend. Use your instincts and embrace feedback.
4. Keep it simple
We have a really simple guiding principle at innocent. Does it taste good? Does it do you good? Does it do it naturally? If the answer to any of these is no then we won’t launch. It’s powerful to have a sense check before you commit to launch.
5. Networking
We work with consultants from time to time and this keeps our development work fresh. From food technologists to world class chefs, it keeps new products authentic and relevant. Knowledge exchange sessions with other companies are also a great way to get inspired.
Develop a network of contacts. We are always seeking to learn from universities and food research agencies like Campden. Knowledge leads to innovation.
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