Innovation starts here, and there’s no shortage of creative ideas in the fast-moving food and beverage industry. However, the majority of these ideas never come to fruition. Why is that? Why do so many promising projects simply run out of steam? "It takes a significant and sustained effort to carry an idea all the way from conceptualisation to commercial production and market success. Innovators tend to get bogged down in technical, financial or legal issues and run out of time, energy or enthusiasm," explained Julia Luscher, Vice President of Marketing at Tetra Pak. If this sounds familiar to you, maybe now is the time to explore how Tetra Pak can help you turn great ideas into profitable products.
How Tetra Pak helps customers transform ideas into products:
The innovation ecosystem
Tetra Pak has developed an entire ecosystem of tools and services to support food and beverage innovators, reaching all the way from initial inspiration to product trials, launch support and beyond. This offer comes to life under the expert guidance of Tetra Pak Marketing Services; professional teams who guide you on your co-creation journey, providing you with exactly the resources you need at the exact moment you need them. Below, we describe the key elements of the Tetra Pak innovation ecosystem.
Opportunity Mapping
Every year, Tetra Pak produces multiple market studies and consumer trend reports that are packed with insights, inspiration and foresights of the food and beverage landscape in the future. These are often the starting point for a new product idea. The research team offers to compile customised reports on the emerging trends affecting a particular business and follow it up with a meeting to discuss the implications.
Product Development Centres
With ten product development centres (PDCs) worldwide, Tetra Pak invites innovators to experiment with new recipes and product formulations. These PDCs support companies as they scale up from benchtop to commercial production — making everything from nutritional supplements to novelty ice creams. Live streaming of trials is available for customers who are short of time or have a no-travel policy.
Tetra Recart ® Food Development Centre
Tetra Pak also has a pilot plant where ‘canned food’ producers can develop and test new, shelf-stable products. Whether exploring a new carton packaging system or developing a new chunky ketchup recipe, Tetra Pak's experts are ready to assist you, either on-site or via a mobile test unit.
Innovative marketing techniques
For brand owners who really want their products to stand out, Tetra Pak offers innovative marketing techniques, such as custom printing. Thanks to industrial scale digital printing technology, multiple designs can now be printed on a single packaging material reel, enabling smaller order sizes to be produced cost-effectively. It is also possible to print unique QR codes on Tetra Pak packaging material, opening up exciting opportunities for new kinds of consumer engagement.
The Tetra Pak® Scale-Up Ecosystem
Tetra Pak also has a programme to help emerging brands expand into new markets. The Tetra Pak® Scale-Up Ecosystem provides access to world-class facilities and mentoring, as well as introductions to potential industry partners. "Innovation doesn’t end with the development of a great product,” explains Julia. “In fact, that’s really just the beginning. Thanks to Tetra Pak’s 70-plus years in the food and beverage industry, we’re in a strong position to help unknown brands gain a foothold in the business," she concluded.
Collaboration is the key to success
A collaborative mindset is relevant to any innovation, be it a new product, technology or market approach. That’s why Tetra Pak invites food and beverage industry innovators to collaborate, pooling resources to form a winning team of passionate and creative individuals who can transform innovative ideas into reality. Whether you're just starting your innovation journey, or struggling to maintain momentum, you can tap into Tetra Pak’s innovation ecosystem for a tailormade support package.
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