Software, TikTok may inspire product development
Summary
CHICAGO — The software industry, social media programs like TikTok and restaurant menus all may inspire food and beverage product developers to create items sold at retail. “I get my inspiration from the software industry because when you look at how they do product development, they really have mastered the quick, front-end prototyping,” said Lauren Lackey, president at Centauri Innovations LLC, in a July 19 session at IFT FIRST, the Institute of Food Technologists’ annual meeting and expo in Chicago. I’d love to see some of that come into the food industry.” Steve Marko, senior director R&D at Tillamook County Creamery Association, and Shima Shayanfar, PhD, principal scientist at Herbalife Nutrition, also were on the panel. Mr. Marko said he encourages product developers to visit restaurants and explore TikTok and social media for potential trends. “Instead of having to keep three full-time people on staff, I can keep product development on retainer.” “When there is some sort of risk and stress, any living organism goes into survival mode,” Dr. Shayanfar said.