WHAT IS INNOVATION?
To start with, let us define what innovation is. Innovation is something new to your business that fills an untapped customer, in this context – food products. It could be an improvement on an existing product or an entirely new product.
Ideally, innovation builds a new market.
SO WHAT MAKES AN IDEA INNOVATIVE?
- How much does it improve the customer’s life?
- How much will it change the status quo in the current market and complimentary markets?
- How much will it transform the company?
EXERCISE: Well, now that we know what makes an idea innovative. I would like you to pick one of your products and analyze if it covers the above-mentioned parameters…
Since we know what an innovative idea/product is, let’s proceed to explore how you can generate innovative ideas/products.
HOW TO CREATE A PROCESS FOR GENERATING INNOVATIVE IDEAS.
I know we all have different processes on how to activate our creative juices.
However, I would like to recommend some methods you can use to be intentional about creating innovative ideas.
- One thing to remember is that creativity is not a passive process.
- Surround yourself with inspiration- a stimulating environment can facilitate creativity.
- Read daily about food trends. Take out at least 30 mins every day to do that.
- Look inwards, the best ideas come from existing ideas.
EXAMPLES OF WEBSITES TO GET INSPIRATION FROM INCLUDE:
foodprocessing.com
bakeryandsnacks.com
foodbudinessnews.net
foodnavigator.com
INNOVATIVE IDEAS FROM LOCALLY SOURCED FARM PRODUCE
In Africa, we are blessed with nutritious locally sourced food which we haven’t explored it’s potential.
To create innovative products from local produce, you need to first of all;
- Think of the local produce in different ways, solid, liquid, oil, etc.
- Think of it in combination with other local produce.
- Think of it being prepared in a different way, that is cooked, roasted, baked, etc.
I hope you remember these few tips when next you want to create an innovative product or improve an existing product.
I also included a few tips when sourcing your raw materials. Cause the raw materials determine the quality of your food product.
