Opportunity North East is leading this practical programme to bring commercially-focussed insights to Scottish food and drink manufacturers to drive innovation in existing and new product development, working in partnership with the Scotland Food & Drink Partnership and The Knowledge Bank.
The Insights into NPD (iNPD) Accelerator provides access to commercially relevant market insights, supports companies through a proven innovation process, and helps businesses understand the evolving needs of buyers, customers and consumers. It will enable businesses to use insights to shape product, packaging, process, and promotion to deliver commercial advantage, drive sales and develop high-value markets.
The iNPD Accelerator includes three key streams of business support:
Commercialising insight
- Identifying and sharing commercial opportunities from the market data provided by The Knowledge Bank, the new service launched by the Scotland Food & Drink Partnership as part of the sector recovery plan. Relevant insight at category level, and across key categories, tailored to meet the needs of Scottish food and drink manufacturers.
NPD/EPD programme
- An eight-week NPD & EPD programme for 18 manufacturers, running from January 2022. Putting insight into the heart of food and drink innovation, using the TRKR Innovation process, and supported by Food2Market and SAC Consulting
- Two of the businesses taking part in the NPD/EPD programme will receive in-depth “Proof of Concept” feasibility support.
Access to specialist support
- Understanding your needs and connecting you with the right people, projects and organisations to support you with consumer and market-led NPD and EPD commercial propositions.
Contact the iNPD Accelerator team here to register your interest.
During the pilot phase, the iNPD Accelerator is available to Scottish food and drink manufacturers that are already trading - start-ups, early-mid growth and established businesses – registered in Scotland, and with production facilities located in Scotland.
The programme is funded by the Scottish Government’s North East Economic Recovery and Skills Fund (NEERSF), Opportunity North East, Scotland Food & Drink and Aberdeenshire Council.
TRKR is the lead contractor for the programme, working with Food2Market and SAC Consulting.
Rapid changes in consumer behaviour, customer demands and markets create opportunities for Scotland’s food and drink producers to develop innovative, on-trend and premium products for domestic and international markets.
Opportunity North East Ltd
11 Queens Gardens
Aberdeen
AB15 4YD