Our projects

We described market segments with a need for antimicrobial compounds; key trends, current and emerging products, technologies and key players. The opportunity for a novel natural antimicrobial compound was tested with stakeholders to identify unmet needs and evaluate satisfaction with current solutions. As a result, we identified an opportunity for a novel natural antimicrobial compound to provide superior benefits to current solutions in a specific market sector.

The client, a novel materials manufacturer, wanted to extend their penetration of the healthcare market by understanding the unmet needs within wound care that might be met by a new ‘material’. We constructed a market landscape using insights drawn from secondary information, and most valuably from stakeholder and expert interviews: This established an understanding of the functionalities that were valued across specific medical applications and important areas of under-performance. It also highlighted the technical and commercial trends that would impact product performance requirements and so shape market demand. The research enabled the identification of emerging product needs in the short, medium and long-term, potential innovations that may disrupt the market, potential uses of the clients material in current and future products. We provided a road map helping the client to consider an innovation program aligned to the likely evolution of the market

Sensory science has emerged as an academic discipline. It provides a scientific approach to understanding how our different senses respond to stimuli like food and drink. Our client wanted to understand how they could build advances in this area into their product development. By conducting a gap analysis, we identified an opportunity to make better use of ingredients which create a ‘trigeminal response’  in consumers. We provided the client with industry examples of where this approach had been successful and details about the new generation of products which have emerged. We listed commercially available sensate ingredients and highlighted products which deliver trigeminal effects such as warmth, cooling, tingling and salivation. We also provided information about some of the world-class practitioners in this field. In conclusion we made a series of recommendations on how the client could build in trigeminal experiences into their product mix and marketing strategies.

We were asked to investigate what evidence exists that different topically-applied ingredients deliver actual benefits to skin health and beauty. We were also asked to uncover what claims could be associated with different products. We undertook research using literature and clinical trial databases, along with detailed conversations with key experts to understand which ingredients had the most robust evidence. A key challenge to address was the inconsistency in published data. Analysis of literature and interview comments enabled us to recommend ingredients with the most robust evidence and experts that could act as partners for further validation.

The basic process for making beverage primary packaging has been well established and incrementally improved for years. We were asked to outline opportunities for disruption. This included forming novel packs with distinctive geometries, as well as processes which could make packs of any geometry for lower cost. We connected the client with companies that had suitable forming technologies never before used in the beverage industry and made connections with leading R&D centres with the capabilities to develop new forming processes.

A client in the continence care industry wants to understand how adjacent industries are using connected health technology to create value, and to use these learnings to inform potential new products that could disrupt their existing markets.

We mapped a landscape of skin issues faced by women. Insights gathered  initially focused on the causes, measurement and treatments available now, versus what could be possible in 2-3 years. We also identified key industry players which formed part of the opportunity assessment. Following this research, we were able to identify and recommend areas of opportunity for treating specific skin issues.

Specific properties were required from a packaging material that were not readily available and we were asked to explore the different technology options that might satisfy these specific criteria. We identified technology options  that delivered against these criteria and recommended a leading technology in the space, which led to a partnership and substantial investment.

Rapid flavour release in the mouth was required from a high moisture product. This gave a number of technical challenges that needed to be overcome to ensure that flavour was only released once in the mouth of the consumer yet remained stable in product prior to consumption. Technology options were identified, evaluated and recommended that had the potential to give the perception of rapid flavour release in the mouth.

Sugar provides a number of functions in food along with sweetness. It was therefore of interest to identify ‘natural’ strategies that could enable the replacement of sugar whilst providing the required functionality without any negative side-effects. The client had already undertaken research in the area and so the project began with detailed client interviews to ensure the research explored the strategies of most interest. We recommended strategies that had the potential to allow sugar reduction in the clients products whilst enabling a clean label, and also recommended partners for collaboration.

Opportunities were hypothesised for functional coatings to add value to consumer and sporting goods for a major materials and chemicals supplier. The opportunities were evaluated against the client's key criteria through interviews with expert stakeholders and commentators including  engineers and developers. We recommended opportunities and specific companies with needs for functional coatings that were
receptive to an approach from our  client. They have now begun technology development to address these opportunities.

Manufacturers were interviewed to understand function and economic constraints and drivers. Minimum performance requirements and critical success factors were established and the segments where resistance was likely to be less were identified. We then made recommendations of the most promising segments for entry in the automotive industry which were pursued further by the client.

The client wanted to launch a snack product that would address nutritional needs in children. We compiled case studies of companies that had launched similar products in the region selecting those with and without successful product launches to understand the timeline and key drivers for success such as portion size and demographic. We then produced case studies tailored to the client's specific interest which facilitated internal strategy discussions.

We identified and evaluated companies in key developing regions based on experience in these markets and specific manufacturing assets and capabilities. This was achieved through secondary research and detailed interviews with companies to probe expertise that would enable growth at low cost and risk whilst adhering to the companies sustainability and quality goals. We recommended partners of best fit against the agreed criteria, which were then engaged by the client to take forward manufacturing and business growth in these regions.