Convenience And Cost The Product example essay topic

In developing a new food product, the consumer needs should be identified and applied; these including - health, convenience and cost, technology, and the environment. Health Recently, consumers are much more aware of their health due to the increased research into, and increased awareness of diet-related health problems. Because of this, consumers are continually looking for a product that addresses these issues, and those who are health conscious are often the target market for food companies. Convenience and cost Busy lifestyles - including more strenuous long hour work days, and financially pressuring circumstances are quite apparent today, that is why consumers are looking for products which are quick and easy to prepare, and products that are economical as well. Products that are quick to prepare are usually value added and are therefore more expensive than the less expensive, but sometimes time and effort consuming alternatives. Also, generic brands, such as Farmland and Home Brand are in constant competition with brand names such as Kraft and Sanitarium.

These generic brands are cheaper due to less expense on packaging and marketing. Technology Machinery has replaced manual labor, and food-processing technology is now frequently automated and computerised, allowing for consistent quality. Foods are also enhanced with food additives and genetic engineering and these have aided the development of functional foods such as Yakut. Packaging technology has impacted consumers with advancements in preservation - which reduce food wastage such as MAP (Modified Atmosphere Packaging), and packaging which facilitates single serves in the form of functional packaging. The environment Generally, most consumers are making choices that have a positive impact on the environment. This push has made farmers re-think their methods and the use of pesticides and fertilisers that are harmful has decreased.

Food manufacturers are to observe the legislation in accordance with clean air, water and noise pollution, and many tend to extend on that by using packaging in their products that are able to be recycled. Consumers reduce, reuse and recycle and they need products that assist them with this. In relation to my food product - mini chocolate muffins for children Health Studies have shown that children definitely prefer taste to health, whereas their mothers would probably prefer them to eat foods that are nutritional. In order to satisfy this the plan is to make chocolate muffins to satisfy the taste aspect, but to fulfill mother's concerns, we will use ingredients which are healthier than the original alternatives, such as whole meal flour for fibre, and unsalted butter. Convenience and Cost The product will be convenient in small bite-sized muffins for children, and in a box that will prevent damage. The small muffins will satisfy children for a small treat, but not spoil their appetite for more substantial meals such as lunch and dinner.

The cost will be a bit more expensive than regular muffins due to the convenient packaging needed and the value adding process onto small muffins. Technology The muffins will be made in an automated production line in order to maintain superior quality at all times, and lowering the time and the cost manual production takes. A second layer of packaging is included in the product, a thin polyethylene plastic similar to that, which is used in bread to extend the shelf life of the foods. The environment The packaging used in this product will be 100% recyclable. The outer cardboard box is recyclable as well as the inner plastic covering, making it appealing to mothers who are concerned about the environment and also helping parents teach their children at a young age the importance of caring for the environment. The Muffin Company will also, as always, abide to legislation, which sets the guidelines for acceptable and unacceptable environment activity..