Froneri’s Post

Private label can be the synonym for innovation, not only copycat: here are some examples of what happened in France in 2024. As we kick off the new year, it's time to recap the past 12 months and forecast what might steer innovation in 2025. Noteworthy is the evolution of retailers' private labels, showcasing: - Exclusive limited editions - Enhanced high protein offerings - Premium ingredients sourced ethically - Eco-friendly packaging solutions - Continued popularity of Asian cuisine, influenced by Kpop and Kfood. Taking insights from discussion with industry players and observing the shift towards streamlined supply chains and the demand for health-conscious, sustainable inputs, I gathered key trends I believe will drive innovation this year. The focus is on matching supply security, fair trade practices, sustainability, and affordability (yes it will always remain an important factor). Do you believe your innovation could captivate retailers for their private label? Ensure you’re prepared to present your solution effectively. Need guidance? Let’s connect. ----- Remy Medina - International Private Label Consult For over a decade, I have been advising leading players in the private label industry, helping them enhance their relevance and stand out in retailers' selection processes.

Interesting article in the Grocer around food innovation or the ‘lack of’. It is, in fact true that incremental changes in products are often perceived as innovation when real innovation is centred around ground-breaking creativity. The question is, what does a product need, to be considered truly innovative? There is a huge amount of pressure for retailers to avoid risks, with margin pressures and also the challenge that new suppliers face in breaking the market. This maybe some of the reasons that innovation is stifled.  This article alludes to the fact that the retailers are no longer trying whereas we know first hand that they are investing in R & D as I work closely with them on a daily basis. How do we continue to innovate with all the pressures surrounding new product development? Could retailers invest in more long-term thinking? Is it possible to invest in innovative products as a necessity? Long term ‘test and learn’ environments where new products are given the chance to grow. Could performance metrics account for longer term outcomes rather than immediate profits? Innovation is exciting and we should always be looking at ways to innovate in this ever changing world..

Don’t talk to me about innovation. I just invented chocolate utensils. Innovation isn’t just something we should save for the workplace, as this chilling story confirms… I was traveling from London to Perth in Scotland by train, typically a six hour journey. So I bought my breakfast and lunch at Pret A Manger in Euston. I just LOVE their bircher muesli. But I forgot to grab a spoon. No matter, I still had enough food to see me over the border. Or I thought I did… Because on this particular day the rail network was in meltdown. By the time I had transferred to my fourth train it was late afternoon and I was down to my last food item (that delicious muesli) but with no means to eat it. Not to overstate the situation but I felt like Ernest Shackleton; hopelessly lost, hundreds of miles from home, with no hope of rescue, malnourished with dwindling provisions and no tools. Despite these seemingly hopeless odds, something incredible happened. I was about to do… Innovation. For it was there, at Windemere Station, that the brisk wind of inspiration blew off the lakes and into my brain. Spying a platform vending machine, I purchased an eye-wateringly expensive KitKat. Breaking off a finger I innovated it into a makeshift spoon and finally consumed that magnificent, if slightly warm, Swiss-style yoghurt muesli. The resulting calories sustained me all the way home, a mere nine hours after setting off. Yes, yes. I DO know I could just have eaten the KitKat. But you’re missing the point: I. Did. An. Innovate!  And in doing so I saved my own life. So, don’t just aspire to innovation. Live it. 

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In the realm of innovation, companies are perpetually exploring which flavours to incorporate into existing products and which ones to launch with new offerings

What Does Innovation Truly Mean? Last weekend, I had the opportunity to attend an interview where one of the judges asked me a thought-provoking question: "What exactly is innovative about your product?" She argued that garri is a common product that anyone can produce, and she didn’t see how my work could be considered innovative and my type of business isn't creative. It made me reflect on what truly defines innovation. While it’s easy to think of innovation as creating something entirely new, I believe it’s also about transforming the way we do things—especially when it comes to improving processes, ensuring quality, and delivering value in ways that haven’t been fully explored before. At Ayosifam Integrated Service Ltd, we’re not just producing garri and other cassava food products. We’re revolutionizing the way cassava products are made by: - Leveraging technology and clean energy to scale up our processes sustainably. - Ensuring that our garri is produced in hygienic conditions, unlike many of the traditional methods still in use. - Offering a high-quality product that is sand-free, with low cyanide and low moisture content, making it safer for consumption. - Providing premium packaging that makes our garri shelf-stable and more accessible to modern consumers. And the impact is tangible. One of our customers shared how he had stopped consuming garri for over 12 years and will never allow his children drink garri because of adverse reactions he suffered from, such as itchy eyes and heartburn, likely caused by improperly processed garri with high cyanide levels. Since discovering Ayosifam Garri, he’s been a consistent customer for the past two years without any issues. His experience reaffirms that we are doing something different and positively impacting lives. Yet, despite all of this, the judge didn’t agree that what we’re doing is innovative. So, what does innovation truly mean? To me, innovation isn't always about inventing something new; it’s about improving what already exists to provide better solutions, quality, and impact. In our case, it’s about bringing technology, sustainability, and care to an age-old product like garri. It’s about elevating standards, addressing health concerns, and giving consumers the confidence to enjoy a traditional staple without fear. I believe true innovation lies in the details, in solving problems others overlook, and in the value you create for people—whether through a product, a process, or an experience. What are your thoughts? How do you define innovation in your field? #Innovation #Sustainability #FoodSecurity #AyosifamGarri #CleanEnergy #CassavaValueChain #AgricultureTransformation #LinkedInCommunity

Finding new ways to recreate and reenergize beloved products is a critical part of the innovation process at Hormel Foods. Choosing how and when to change the form of a legacy product means paying attention to the needs of consumers: https://lnkd.in/guZKruKU

Innovation should not only inspire; it should taste great too. Recent reports from Mintel and Tastewise both point towards a decrease in true innovation. Try a Taste Innovation Journey and see how easy it is to be in the driver's seat. 🚀 #Innovation #Taste #DriverSeat #MarkRainey #BrandFix #FoodTrendTranslator

When does product innovation go too far? 🌟🆕🤔 I stumbled across this in a Spanish supermarket recently and instantly found it a bizarre combination. Coca-Cola is known for an array of flavours and more recently I've seen a number of other limited edition versions, but this one stood out to me as particularly odd. Yes, Oreo is one of the kings of innovation, with a huge range of variants of their classic biscuit, but also in collaborations more widely with brands like Milka, McFlurry and Dairy Milk. It's also an ever present on dessert menus with Oreo Ice Cream, milkshakes, cheesecake and more. However, this one struck me as a step too far and I struggled to make the leap in my head as to why Oreo coke would taste good - and why Oreo are now in the drinks world. It feels like over-innovation from a brand that already has A LOT of products on the shelves. However, as you can tell, I was curious enough to buy it, and I'm sure I won't be the only one (although I won't be buying it again - but hey, Limited Edition is mainly about the novelty factor, right?). Product proliferation can help your brand grow, but it can also harm it in the long run if innovation isn't done in the right way and with a clear vision. What do you think about Oreo-flavoured Coke? And when is it time for Oreo to say enough is enough with the ideation workshops? I'll be sticking to classic coke for now, I think!

How Amul’s Innovation is Changing the Game! Recently, I watched an insightful podcast by the YouTube channel Think School ® that shed light on Amul’s latest innovations of Protein rich Products, and I’m truly inspired by their approach to redefining the market and e-commerce industry. Amul (GCMMF) , a name synonymous with trust and quality in the dairy industry, is not just innovating; it’s revolutionizing how we think about sustainability and nutrition. Their new protein-rich products, crafted using cheese waste materials, are a testament to their commitment to reducing waste and delivering value. This forward-thinking strategy has the potential to: - **Reshape the market** by offering high-quality protein alternatives that cater to the growing demand for functional and sustainable food. - **Impact e-commerce** by leveraging their extensive distribution network to make these products widely accessible to health-conscious consumers. As a marketing enthusiast, I find their ability to turn waste into a thriving product line both inspiring and educational. It’s a perfect example of how a strong brand can stay relevant while championing sustainability. Kudos to Amul for setting benchmarks in innovation, and thanks to Think School for creating a platform to discuss such groundbreaking ideas!