During the build stage, your business will be establishing, testing and improving systems and processes to deliver the product or service that your customer is wanting. Your business will benefit from utilizing a build-measure-learn loop, which is a repeated process of turning ideas into products, measuring the processes, reactions, responses and behaviors of customers, and learning whether to proceed or to innovate, improve or pivot operations or the business idea. Globally, there is an increasing focus on sustainability. Food businesses can benefit from building sustainability into the core of their business. Adopting an ESG (environmental, social, governance) perspective and integrating sustainability into your business model builds a true connection with your customers and can provide you with a competitive edge.

Business Development Streams

Business Management

Business development considerations could include decisions on business structure, business models, human resources and financial planning to build a business model that will optimize efficiency and achieve profitability.

Product and Process Development

You will have to analyze processing facilities, equipment, processing systems, permits and licensing to optimize efficiencies in processing and to ensure that food safety requirements are being met and product quality is being achieved.

Market Development

Developing a marketing plan will help you stay focused as you build your food business. Ensure that your marketing objectives align with your business goals and strategy, and be prepared to pivot when market demands shift. Identification of distribution channels is a key focus of a food product marketing strategy. What type of distribution channel will you utilize to get your food product into the hands of your consumer? Consider whether you will sell your food product directly to your customer or through a broker, distributor, wholesaler or retailer. Promotional strategies should include an assessment of your target audience and their often changing expectations.