Snapshot
A major home device brand introduces a new drink system which combines carbonating beverages with injecting flavor into water. Commercializing this line required a multidisciplinary approach by Catapult, including R&D, process engineering, regulatory support, packaging support, and project management.
The Client
The client is a global product design and technology company that creates 5-star rated lifestyle solutions through innovative products for consumers around the world. Among its many product categories, the client designs numerous countertop appliances for cooking and home food prep.
The Challenge
Launching a new appliance is a challenge, but when it came to coupling that with the launch of a packaged beverage product that delivered on a key user experience for their new system, the client needed help. The challenge came from a requirement to understand an entirely new industry from a CPG perspective. Shelf life, product degradation, impact of packaging, and dispensing issues all added up to a substantial delay to original timelines and costing. Additionally, there were 3 additional project challenges: the contract manufacturer needed to install new equipment, the client lacked expertise with food products, and project requirements shifted with new consumer data.
The Approach
Develop a commercialization plan - Catapult led the charge with setting up the needs of the project and timeline in order to reliably manage for unforeseen circumstances. The team was able to manage internal stakeholders armed with this information and shift the discussion to risk mitigation planning.
Tap into a network of flavor professionals - By reaching out to existing partners, Catapult was able to leverage a broad assortment of flavor suppliers to present the client with best-in-class solutions to the problems in flavor identity and loss of flavor intensity over shelf life. Additionally, expectations were managed by providing training in science of flavor and food to the team at corporate headquarters.
Align to a sensory testing procedure for formulation & shelf life sampling - Documentation of formula revisions, including an information repository, was developed to aid in understanding from sensory test results. Trained panel, qualitative and quantitative testing, gold standard management, and acceleration techniques and validation were added to the team’s toolbox to help with systematically developing the best products.
Present equipment options - A new production line had to be set up to handle the packaging selected and to meet quality standards necessary to launch. Catapult sourced equipment, specified options, completed layouts, and coordinated the purchase and delivery with the contract manufacturer, who handled installation. Commissioning was performed on the line including conveyance modifications to reduce spilling and increase first pass product success rate.
The Results and Benefits
By leveraging a wide range of professional skill sets, Catapult was able to provide the support necessary to ensure a successful development, commercialization, and national distribution of the client’s new beverage appliance product line. They are planning on taking it worldwide in coming years.