Abigail Buckwalter’s Post

Here's how in-store 'test & learn' research can help Nestlé become a top 3 player in the Netherlands (a story about Wunda).   A few weeks ago, I read an interview of Nikki A., in which she expressed her ambition to make Nestlé a top 3 player in the Netherlands.   In the same interview, the CEO also talked about 𝐖𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚, a pea-based milk alternative, for which there were high expectations prior to the introduction.   The results from consumer taste tests were great and retailers also liked the concept.   So Nestlé had every opportunity to make this innovation a huge success.   But sadly, Wunda did not become a success. Despite all the positive signs, the outcome turned out to be different than hoped for.   𝐈𝐧-𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐍𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐥é 𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭.   By testing a concept in the right empirical context (supermarkets) early in the innovation process, you know exactly what the potential of your innovation is - even before its introduction.   This way, you know which innovations are going to be a success and you can go all-in on them.   That’s where the opportunity lies for Nestlé to become a top 3 player within a few years from a sustainable innovation growth perspective. Combine Nestlé's large international portfolio and innovation projects with our Bamboo Brands B.V. 20+ years of experience, a network of 400+ supermarkets across Europe & our in-store research methods and expertise. The result will deliver 𝐮𝐧𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 for Nestlé. Bottomline: We can help Nestlé become a 𝐓𝐨𝐩 3 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 again for sure!

  🚀 Exciting News! 🚀Neubria will be attending Vitafoods Europe! 2024 🎉 I am thrilled to connect with industry leaders, innovators, and partners at Vitafoods. If you`d like to discuss collaboration opportunities or learn more about our latest developments, let`s schedule a meeting 📅 To make an appointment, please send a direct message I look forward to seeing you there! #Neubria #VitafoodsEurope #HealthAndWellness #Innovation #CognitiveHealth -            

Back from yet another fantastic #IFTFIRST! For me, the theme of collaboration ruled the show. I loved seeing industry leaders and innovators working together to help overcome challenges and leverage opportunities in the food and beverage supply chain. Some highlights: 🧠 Virginia Dare Extract Co. X Kyowa Hakko USA: Cognizin®-fortified brain health samples with perfected taste 👨🍳 Alianza Team USA X HIFOOD: Co-developed samples featuring ingredients to revolutionize meat alternatives, baked goods, and more 🍣 Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition North America, Inc. X Kororin US Inc.: An onigiri rice ball demo that promoted authentic umami flavors with healthier, more convenient ingredients 🇺🇬 PROVA X Vanilla from Uganda: A delicious madeleine cookie sample using Ugandan-sourced vanilla In my role at MarketPlace Branding, I love making connections across companies that have technologies and people worth knowing about each other. So if we haven't met yet, please say hello! You might be holding the keys to something that's stumping someone else in the industry. Bright minds are brighter together 💡💡💡

Had an amazing time at the Vitafoods Europe! 🚀 Presenting the latest innovations and receiving requests from industry leaders. Connect to see some of the highlights! #TradeShow #Innovation #Networking"

CPG Innovation & Growth: Mars Inc.’s Strategic Expansion 🍫🌿 Core Question: (1) How will Mars investment in a new R&D hub and focus on sustainable snacking innovation shape the future of the CPG industry? Fun Facts: (3) 🎉 $42 million investment — Mars, Inc. channels significant funds into a 44,000-square-foot facility dedicated to advancing snacking R&D. 🎉 300 R&D Associates — The new hub will capitalize on the expertise of hundreds of Mars associates to spearhead product innovation. 🎉 7 Innovation Sites — Mars expands its innovation network with the new hub joining an extensive list of global sites. Key Themes: (4) 🥤 Doubling Down on Snacking — Mars aims to double its snacking business, signaling a robust growth strategy within the CPG sector. 🥤 Centralized Innovation — The hub will centralize Mars’ innovation efforts, streamlining the development of sustainable and future-focused products. 🥤 Sustainable Operations — Commitment to renewable energy in operations reflects Mars’ dedication to environmental sustainability. 🥤 Test-and-Learn Approach — The facility’s advanced kitchen and nut testing capabilities illustrate a hands-on approach to product development and scaling. CGT - Consumer Goods Technology 👇🏼 https://lnkd.in/eHtDSwWT #ecommerce #digital #omnichannel #strategy #cmo #cdo #ceo #cro #leadership #retailecommerceclub #cpg #privateequity #playtowin #thecpgview

Honored to be part of the “Explorer Award” jury for the 6th consecutive year, by PROMARCA, the Swiss association of branded goods, jointly with my dear jury colleagues Karin Frick, Naomi Haefner, Daniel Krebser and Christoph Meister! Innovation fuels the FMCG industry, challenging norms and propelling us into uncharted territories. Let’s celebrate fearless explorers who venture beyond the familiar, daring to defy conventional wisdom. What does “Explore” mean for consumer goods? It signifies a relentless pursuit of new horizons, breaking free from the status quo, and committing to curiosity-driven innovation. This year, a flood of new products entered the market, with 6,474 new items introduced from well known players such as Nestlé, Unilever, Feldschlösschen Getränke AG, The Coca-Cola Company, Emmi Group, Kambly SA, Storck, Red Bull, Rivella Group, Läckerli Huus AG, Procter & Gamble, Lactalis Group, Froneri or Zweifel Pomy-Chips AG and many more. The Swiss Promarca Brand Association awarded prizes for the best innovations. “Plant-Based Minced Meat Wins the Innovation Prize” “Pflanzenhack Protaneo AG, IP-SUISSE a pea and fava bean-based minced meat substitute by Steiner Mühle AG won. It’s a Swiss-made plant-based protein source, redefining sustainability. Nuggi MAMOriginal Pure and Aroma Kiosk from Lindt & Sprüngli were runners-up. Bravo Alain Raymond and the entire team! Celebrating groundbreaking innovations reshaping FMCG. Let’s inspire others in our relentless pursuit of progress. Here’s to exploring new frontiers, pushing limits, and shaping FMCG’s future! #ExplorationAward #innovation #fmcg #brands #FMCGInnovation #InnovateExploreCreate #ConsumerGoods #productinnovation #productdevelopment #comfortzone #new #curiosity #jury #brandedproducts #switzerland #explore #consumercentric #sustainability #trends #plantbasedprotein

Yesterday, I had the privilege of participating in the Food Packaging and Innovations India Summit 2023, organized by Inventicon Business Intelligence Pvt. Ltd., as both a speaker and a moderator. The event brought together industry leaders, experts, and innovators to discuss key topics shaping the future of food packaging innovations. 🎙️ Speaker Session - Packaging as a Brand's Storyteller 🎙️ As Panelist, I had the opportunity to delve deep into the pivotal role packaging plays in conveying a brand's story. Packaging isn't merely a functional aspect; it's a canvas that allows brands to communicate their essence, values, and uniqueness to consumers. Engaging in a panel discussion alongside esteemed industry experts, we explored the art of using packaging as a powerful tool for storytelling, fostering brand loyalty, and creating memorable consumer experiences. The exchange of ideas and insights was inspiring and thought-provoking. 🎙️ Moderator Session - Ways to Reduce Packaging Costs and Increase Profits 🎙️ As moderator for the session on reducing packaging costs and increasing profits, I had the privilege of guiding a discussion that delve into innovative strategies and sustainable practices. Exploring methods to optimize packaging processes, minimize waste, and enhance operational efficiency, our panel discussed actionable approaches that businesses can implement to strike a balance between cost-effectiveness and environmental responsibility. I immensely appreciate Inventicon Business Intelligence for curating such a stimulating platform that fosters knowledge exchange and collaboration within the food packaging industry. The diverse perspectives shared by speakers and participants underscored the importance of continuous innovation and collaboration in our ever-evolving market landscape. Thank you to my fellow panelists, attendees, and the entire organizing team for making this summit a resounding success. I would also like to thanks Bayer, Dr Yogesh Choudhari and Deepali Sirpotdar Jathar for all the support. Let's continue to push the boundaries of innovation, sustainability, and creativity in packaging, shaping a future that is both economically viable and environmentally responsible. #Packaging #FoodPackaging #Innovations #BrandStorytelling #Sustainability #IndustryInsights #InventiconBusinessIntelligence #Speaker #Moderator #KnowledgeExchange #Collaboration #PackFacts #teambayer Bharat B Mehta Aniruddh Gavane Shailesh Ghodekar Abir Mukherjee Kollu Namratha Rahul Athwani INDIAN INSTITUTE OF PACKAGING - IIP IIPAA (Indian Institute of Packaging Alumni Association) WPO World Packaging Organisation🌍📦🌱

What are the innovation priorities at your company right now? How have the current market conditions changed what companies see as innovation?

Check out our article where Fréderic Fernandes and I talk about the plant-based market!