“Mommy, where do babies come from?” The food industry's version of that question can be paraphrased: “From where do new product ideas come?” A response to either question is difficult.
For example, good ideas tend to be claimed by many “parents.” So, too, are new product trends. However, determining trend sources is an important task beyond simple pride of ownership. Determining the “next hot 'food fashion'” before a competitor does gives a company a crucial financial advantage.