Developments in the food industry are faster and faster. Improvements take place all the time, furthermore trends, fashions and consumer’s taste is changing all the time. In order to be a success the fierce competition has to be beaten. A good product is not enough, it has to be better than the competition and it has to be recognised as such.

Product development is a team effort in which project management skills are of great importance, furthermore multi-disciplinary is necessary:  creativity sessions are organised, consumer behaviour has to be investigated, knowledge of technology, food safety law and processing has to be put into practice. Besides that the development of packaging and how to launch the new product is important. All these aspects might lead to innovation in food products.

Managing a project
Commercializing
To innovate/develop a food product
To communicate
To develop yourself
To apply analysis techniques

To follow this minor you should have sufficient knowledge about technology (Chemistry, physics and microbiology) and marketing.

To determine this you will have an interview with one of the teachers involved.

At least two years of a food technology bachelor course, or a lot of experience after consulting the major coordinator.

Jongen, W.M.F., Meulenberg, M.T.G Innovation of Food production systems, last edition. ISBN: 90-74134-51-3

Linnemann, A.R., Boekel, van, A.J.S., Food Prodect Design, an integrated approach, first edition. ISBN: 978-90-8686-01208

Wood, Marian Burk. The marketing plan handbook, second or third edition (July 2007). ISBN: 0-13-196866-1

Kotler, P., Armstrong, G., Saunders J., Wong, V. (2004). Principles of Marketing. Fourth European Edition. ISBN 0273646621

Feedback & consultancy hours of all involved experts are weekly scheduled

Product Development

- To show knowledge, understanding and skills of the innovative process of product development (portfolio)

- To conduct an innovative process based on report and presentation (written)

In case of a low number of applications for the minor, the minor may not be offered. After closing the registration period, you will be informed as soon as possible.