Concept to Launch: Turning Your Food Idea Into Reality

A labour of love. Recipe version 27. A handed-down family recipe that has been cherished through generations. A moment of inspiration strikes, and in that instant, the thought arises: "Why doesn't anyone sell this?!" This simple yet profound question can ignite a spark that transforms a beloved family tradition into a potential business venture.

The inspiration for a new product idea, food brand, or grocery range can spring from a multitude of sources, but they all share a common thread: an unwavering passion for food and innovation. It’s an exhilarating feeling to have a goal, a vision that lights a fire within you, and the relentless drive to see YOUR product proudly displayed on the shelves of national supermarkets. The thought of consumers recognising and embracing your brand is nothing short of thrilling. We consider ourselves fortunate to have experienced this journey multiple times, witnessing our products make their way onto store shelves and into the hands of customers. The rush of excitement that accompanies these milestones is something we deeply understand and appreciate.

However, embarking on this journey is only the beginning. You find yourself diving into extensive research, asking questions like, "How do I launch a chocolate bar?" or "What are the steps to get a gluten-free protein bar onto supermarket shelves?" As you delve deeper, the reality of the situation begins to unfold. Wow, this is complicated! Who would have thought that the path to market could be so intricate? (We assure you, we’re not being patronising; we’ve witnessed this realisation time and time again, and it’s often a steep learning curve for many.)

The journey from concept to launch, from that brilliant idea swirling in your mind to an actual product resting on a shelf, ready for consumers to purchase, is a process that should not be underestimated. It is complex, filled with challenges, and can often be confusing. And let’s not even begin to discuss the financial aspect, everyone seems to want money at every turn. Insight agencies, compliance experts, minimum order quantities (MOQs), listing fees, community building... it truly is a minefield of hurdles to navigate.

But here’s the silver lining: entrepreneurialism is more accessible, more achievable, and filled with more opportunities than ever before. The tools, resources, and networks to bring your vision to life are readily available. The moment to act is now, and the landscape for aspiring food entrepreneurs is ripe with potential.

This is where ItsFood can support you in true partnership.

We have meticulously developed a tried and tested 10-step programme designed to guide you through the intricate journey from a brilliant idea to a launch-ready product. We begin by ensuring that your proposition is watertight, exploring what makes your product unique, and identifying the compelling reasons why a consumer would cross the street just to buy it. This foundational work is crucial, as it sets the stage for everything that follows. Then, we help you gain clarity on who your target customer is, utilising data and insights to substantiate your intuition and gut feelings.

Once we have a solid understanding of your market and customer, we transition into the product development phase. Here, we focus on making your product commercially viable, manufacturable, safe, and compliant with all necessary regulations. This includes working through the aesthetics of your product, the look and feel, the packaging, the narrative, and the overall brand identity. We assist you in finding the right co-manufacturers, navigating the often complex landscape of regulations, and establishing a route to market that aligns with your ambitions and budgetary constraints.

By the time you reach the conclusion of our comprehensive programme, you will be fully prepared: ready to go to market, seek investment, or secure that coveted listing you’ve been dreaming about. The knowledge and skills you gain throughout this process will empower you to take confident strides forward in your entrepreneurial journey.

We have leveraged our vast experience and years of collaboration with food businesses of all sizes, ranging from ambitious start-ups to well-established brands, to create a programme that genuinely makes a difference. Whether you require support at every stage of your journey or simply seek expert guidance on the more challenging aspects, we are here to provide the assistance you need.

Ready to explore the journey?

Follow this link to our Start Up Hub site to delve deeper into the 10-step programme and discover how it can benefit you. Alternatively, contact us here to arrange a call. We would love to discuss your idea and explore what specific support you might need to bring it to life and turn your culinary dreams into reality.

https://www.itsfood.co.uk/start-up-hub

Drop us an email @ info@itsfood.co.uk