PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT SYSTEMS FOR AGRIFOOD INNOVATION IN DEVELOPING AND TRANSITION COUNTRIES

摘要

The world food industry is worth more that US dollar 2 trillion (US dollar 2 x 10~(12)) annually. Consumer preferences are largely shaped by income levels; with higher incomes tending to lead to greater consumption of meat and dairy products in developing countries. In developed countries, the trend is more towards labour-saving or ethically-oriented products. Product development (PD) is the lifeblood of the food industry, the PD process is described. Innovation in PD is contextual and depends on location and the range of products currently in a given market. Important (both positive and negative) factors in PD are reviewed. The global market for processed food is discussed and reasons are suggested for the slowdown in trade since the mid-1990s. Overstretched supply chains are one factor forcing more local production. The importance of value-added food products to national economies is discussed with reference to examples from Greece, Chile and New Zealand.