Development
Whether it’s as part of an overall brand management service or just working on one off projects, this is where we start to bring the client’s vision to life. It may be the project management of a full range development from brief to launch, a range extension, repositioning of an existing range or even technical transfer; any product development requires detailed project management. This is a phase that can take 6-18 months and therefore requires careful management to stay on track, so that deadlines aren’t missed and the launch happens in line with investor and retailer expectations.
Developing a full range is detailed and complex process, with many stages that need to be carried out to ensure the efficacy and safety of the product. Setting clear and achievable milestones for development, manufacturing and launch dates are key to make sure we allow enough time for product development and testing, colour matching and print runs and attending first production and ultimately delivery to retailers and launch. We use project management software that clearly defines these milestones and the stake holders responsible to make sure everyone stays on track and all key steps are met on time.
The Brief
We take our time to create a detailed product brief during which we detail benchmarks for fragrance, performance and texture which is vital to give development chemists are clear idea of what the client is trying to achieve and is an important continuation of the brand identity, performance claims the client wants to make, what is left out, is often as important as what goes in, so we want to understand what raw materials are important and what “free from” claims you want to make as well as other desirable claims, maybe the approach is “science in action” or maybe the brand is more environmental in its focus and claims such as “clean beauty”, organic, vegan or waterless are important. Similarly with packaging, what materials are required, is it luxury or is sustainable and circular packaging more important.
Project Management
This is a very important stage as it sets out clearly where we want the product range to go and will allow us to select the right partner for development and ongoing manufacture and to make sure they have a product that meets all quality and safety requirements (including Product Information Files) by the end of the process. Choosing the right manufacturing partner is incredibly important not just in the development of the product but to ensure ongoing quality and supply chain support that will support continued growth for years to come.
We can also arrange undertake user trials and focus groups with various sample sizes to ensure products are fit for purpose and will be well received by their intended market.
It may be that some clients only require this aspect of our offering for one off projects for 6-18 months to develop product, range extensions, repositioning or tech transfer as they would prefer to focus their time and effort on sales and brand development and do not require any ongoing operational support. We are happy to accommodate this way of working.
These would include the vital process developing gift sets (especially to capture the essential Christmas market). We partner with a variety of gift packaging and accessory suppliers to create high-quality gift sets for all major holidays, all our fulfilment partners are set up to help with gifts and kit building, including travel sets.
Product Development Process
Let us guide you through product development from beginning to end.
