Stages of New Product Development

Jenny Wood was already selling Jenny's Country Kitchen gourmet cocoa mixes at local fairs and craft shows when she came up with the idea for flavored creamers for coffee. She developed nine different flavors of creamers, including raspberry mocha and cherry vanilla. Response to the creamers was so good, Wood decided to rent a small manufacturing facility, hire employees, and an experienced manager. Her continued success brought her to the attention of some national retailers who were interested in carrying her product. National exposure on the QVC shopping channel gave the business a big boost in customer awareness.

1. Once Wood had a list of potential creamer flavors, she hired a food scientist to eliminate the flavors that would not mix well together, and those that were impractical because of logistical problems or high expense. Which stage of product development is Jenny Wood in now? Describe the 8 stages of new-product development with respect to Jenny Wood and her flavored cream with coffee. Write two paragraphs on what you imagine would she have done in these stages?

2. At this time, most adopters of Jenny's Country Kitchen flavored creamers fall into the category of early majority. Do you agree? Give suitable reasons.