Consumer Focus Formulas

Based on the outcome of preliminary research, you can determine a consumer target market and begin with the beverage formulation process. This target demographic will have specific tastes, likes and dislikes. The goal is to create a beverage that the target group can identify with. Target demographic research reveals consumption patterns. An experienced researcher in the field will be able to predict emerging trends and in beverage sales. This leads to the next step in the process known as beverage formulation. This process is challenging, yet rewarding and requires knowledge of the market, the consumer, the science of beverage formulation, creativity and innovation. Industry experts are available to collaborate with throughout all areas of the beverage industry. Choose reputable company with in-house labs and food scientists who specialize in beverage formulation. The best firms will provide valuable advice, creative insights, and an adherence to your concept. The beverage formulation process will develop a prototype that meets the pre-established criteria for the project. These consultants will provide in house testers along with consumer testing for the prototype. Taste is a very subjective and elusive quality. However, there are also more objective and measurable attributes to a beverage. Substantiation is necessary for a product to make a claim (for example, if it claims to be vitamin enriched, the product must be able to prove it.) Nutritional analysis and labeling must be clear, and should provide other information such as whether a product is kosher, or if it contains any allergens. Another important factor when developing a beverage formulation is the shelf life and shelf stability of the beverage. Determining whether the beverage formulation changes over time is a scientific process, as some flavors will increase or decrease in intensity. Some formulations change visually over time. Each of these factors is important to assess before the beverage goes to market. A reliable and experienced industry expert will provide samples at various intervals in during the beverage formulation process to verify compliance with standards. Be clear about expectations, participate in the input/feedback loop, provide as much information and research for the product formulation process and the chances for success will significantly improve.