Product Development - Overview

MLC Foodservice boasts unrivalled expertise in the development of new products and concepts for beef, pork and lamb

Whether working with caterers, suppliers or ready meal manufacturers, we provide an expert, disciplined and confidential service that follows strict protocols from product brief to menu description.

Typically, the product development process for new meat dishes followed by MLC Foodservice would include:

 

Agreeing the brief

Here we would apply our knowledge of particular catering sectors and/or undertake original market and consumer research to agree a full and detailed brief for the new product or concept to be developed, taking account of:

• caterer and customer profiles
• menu analysis
• supplier capability

We make sure that specifications match suppliers' production capabilities as well as conform to the cost constraints determined by the caterer. We develop specifications that detail:

Raw meat specification

• cut removal and preparation
• trim level and portion weight
• packaging and storage temperature and delivery temperature
• technical and butchery details
• yield optimisation

Recipe and cooking

• recipes developed to cost
• nutritional aspects detailed
• manufacturing/production perameters and formats taken into account and optimised
• cost per portion

Consumer testing

• trials can be conducted in controlled situations or in caterers' premises
• feedback and necessary adjustments made at this stage

Factory trials

• recipes tested in appropriate manufacturing methods and quantities

Product launch

• including exploiting marketing and PR opportunities
• promotional support activity negotiated

Feedback and analysis

• product performance and volumes analysed

 

To learn more about how our product development capability can add value to your catering operation, click here