ABSTRACT
The food manufacturers and processors have responded to both the consumer demands and the opportunities created by the technological innovations. The issue of convenience has also led to the creation of some foods in a new form, instant coffee being an example. This form of innovation stems directly from our increasing understanding of the mechanism of life itself and in the future we can expect to see more of it. The process of innovation and product improvement is vital for the survival of companies that sell products, as opposed to those that provide a pure service. If companies are to survive by continuous product improvement and the creation of new products, one might ask if there are ways by which the process of innovation can be stimulated, and what direction should it take? Organisations that are potential customers for a new product may be prepared to finance some or all of its development.
