Educational Resources

The Hidden Hero of Product Innovation: Effective Project Management
Kaitlin Cushman Kaitlin Cushman

The Hidden Hero of Product Innovation: Effective Project Management

Every founder or product developer has had a moment of excitement—when a promising ingredient, an emerging trend, or a flash of creative inspiration feels like the next big thing. But taking a great idea and turning it into a successful, on-shelf product? That’s not just about innovation. It’s about execution.

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Leveraging Sensory Marketing to Boost Food Product Appeal
Kaitlin Cushman Kaitlin Cushman

Leveraging Sensory Marketing to Boost Food Product Appeal

In a competitive landscape where consumers are inundated with choices, brands that win don’t just satisfy hunger—they engage the senses. That’s the power of sensory marketing: using sight, smell, taste, touch, and sound to deepen product appeal, enhance brand perception, and drive purchase behavior.

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Microbiome-Friendly Body Care: Educating Consumers Without Overwhelming Them
Kaitlin Cushman Kaitlin Cushman

Microbiome-Friendly Body Care: Educating Consumers Without Overwhelming Them

In the evolving world of body care, the concept of the skin microbiome has quickly moved from niche science to mainstream buzzword. Consumers are increasingly curious about products labeled “microbiome-friendly” — body washes, lotions, deodorants designed to support the delicate ecosystem of microbes living on our skin. Yet, for many, the science behind the microbiome can feel complex and overwhelming.

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Building Smart Timelines: Why Product Development Takes Longer Than You Think
Kaitlin Cushman Kaitlin Cushman

Building Smart Timelines: Why Product Development Takes Longer Than You Think

You’ve got a killer idea for a new product. Maybe it’s a functional snack, a microbiome-friendly lotion, or a calming supplement powder. You’re eager to launch—ideally in three months, just in time for a seasonal campaign or investor milestone.

But then the delays start. A flavor doesn’t work. A supplier goes quiet. Compliance flags a claim. The packaging printer misses their proof window.

Suddenly, you’re 6 months in and still not in-market.

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The Role of Nutritional Science in Product Development
Kaitlin Cushman Kaitlin Cushman

The Role of Nutritional Science in Product Development

In today’s health-conscious marketplace, consumers are increasingly scrutinizing the products they consume — from foods and beverages to supplements and functional formulations. Behind every successful product that resonates with this savvy audience lies a critical foundation: nutritional science.

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Supply Chain Challenges in the Food Industry: How to Overcome Them
Kaitlin Cushman Kaitlin Cushman

Supply Chain Challenges in the Food Industry: How to Overcome Them

The food industry runs on complex, interconnected supply chains that stretch across farms, factories, distribution centers, and grocery shelves. When everything works seamlessly, consumers rarely notice. But when one link in the chain breaks—be it due to weather, labor shortages, or geopolitical shifts—businesses feel the impact fast.

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Free R&D Project Management Cheat Sheet

Get your quick-reference guide covering the 8 key stages of product development — from kickoff and ideation to testing, scale-up, and launch.