Food Research Lab was founded with over 25 years of expertise in Food, Nutrition, and Dietetics, with a mission to bridge the gap between consumer demand and healthier product options. In 2011, we initially launched a Centre for Food, Mood, and Exercise, focusing on repacking healthier food products for consumers.
Challenges in Product Development: Insights from Dr. Radhika Ganesan, CEO, Food Research Lab
Introduction: Pioneering Innovation in Food Product Development
Food Research Lab was founded with over 25 years of expertise in Food, Nutrition, and Dietetics, with a mission to bridge the gap between consumer demand and healthier product options. In 2011, we initially launched a Centre for Food, Mood, and Exercise, focusing on repacking healthier food products for consumers. However, we soon realized that India lacked sufficient manufacturers offering clean-label, nutritious options. This led to the establishment of FRL, where we empower manufacturers to:
- Optimize existing formulations
- Develop line extensions
- Reverse engineer products
- Innovate new food & nutraceutical solutions
Despite our success, the journey of food product development is filled with challenges, particularly when it comes to innovation, sourcing, and manpower.
Key Challenges in the Product Development Process
1. Raw Material Sourcing & Procurement
One of the biggest hurdles in food R&D is securing the right raw materials. Unlike standard formulations, innovative product development often requires unique, high-quality ingredients, leading to:
- Supplier Delays & MOQ Constraints – Many suppliers require a minimum order quantity (MOQ) of 25kg or more, even for trials. Convincing them to provide 1-2kg samples can be a time-consuming process.
- International Sourcing Barriers – Many specialty ingredients must be imported from China, which involves regulatory approvals, logistics complexities, and transaction challenges between countries.
- Quality Control (QC) Issues – Ensuring that the received raw materials meet required specifications often demands multiple interactions with suppliers, further delaying development timelines.
2. Time Delays & Project Execution
Timely project execution is crucial, yet several factors cause delays:
- Sourcing inefficiencies – Due to the challenges in raw material procurement
- Regulatory hurdles – Aligning with FSSAI, FDA, EFSA, and global compliance
- Iterative product testing – Ensuring product stability, efficacy, and consumer acceptability
To streamline this, FRL has integrated an internal ERP system, ensuring every project is executed with clear milestones, tasks, and confidentiality measures.
3. Manpower & Skill Gaps in the Industry
The food industry requires highly specialized knowledge, yet:
- Experienced professionals often have niche expertise, typically limited to one technology or industry segment.
- Switching across multiple technologies and product categories requires strong logical and analytical skills, which many professionals lack.
- Extensive training is needed to bridge the gap, but once trained, employees often develop different perspectives, making alignment challenging.
At FRL, we train our workforce from scratch and continuously upskill them, ensuring they stay ahead in food innovation, regulatory compliance, and formulation technology.
FRL’s Future Vision: Transforming the Industry with Technology
To overcome these challenges, FRL is launching a game-changing initiative:
2026: A Marketplace Platform for Raw Material Procurement & Regulatory Knowledge We are developing an AI-driven, subscription-based platform that will:
We are developing an AI-driven, subscription-based platform that will:
- Link buyers and sellers for seamless raw material procurement
- Provide regulatory insights on product safety, efficacy, and dosage
- Serve as a knowledge hub for manufacturers navigating the complex food development landscape
ERP-Based Project Management System
- Maintains confidentiality & data security for clients
- Implements milestone-driven execution to improve efficiency
- Uses a timer system to optimize project workflows & minimize delays
Conclusion: A Commitment to Excellence in Food Innovation
At FRL, our work is not just about product development—it’s about research, research, and more research. The food R&D industry demands passion, resilience, and deep expertise, which is why we are dedicated to:
- Providing cutting-edge product innovation
- Delivering customized solutions that meet client needs
- Ensuring superior customer satisfaction with every project
With our scientific knowledge, market expertise, and customer-centric approach, FRL continues to lead the way in food and nutraceutical product development.
Ready to innovate? Partner with FRL today!
For more information about FRL’s product development services and collaborations, contact us
Let’s create something Innovative and Delicious together
Food Research Lab strives for excellence in new Food, Beverage and Nutraceutical Product Research and Development by offering cutting edge scientific analysis and expertise.
