ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a brief introduction to the process of new product development (NPD), touches upon consumer food trends, and gives a short review on perspective from some of the more promising areas within seafood research that are expected to impact seafood innovation and NPD efforts. The 2010 American Productivity & Quality Center benchmarking study shows that 88% of US businesses employ a Stage-Gate-based system to manage new products, from idea to launch. The basic principle of the Stage-Gate model is to function as a conceptual and operational map designed to move new products from the fuzzy front end of idea generation to launch and beyond. As a focus from governmental authorities and increased regulation, in combination with promising research results, more new product innovations from salt-reducing initiatives are expected to hit the supermarket shelves. Optimization of by-product utilization remains a major challenge and opportunity for the fish processing industry.
