The survey, which polled producers across the U.S. and Canada, was directed to those within a company most responsible for new product development and ingredient purchasing. The companies produce everything from appetizers and snacks to processed meats to nutritional products. Three-quarters of the respondents specifically are involved with Research and Development, with the balance evenly split between Purchasing and General Management; their responsibilities are heavily weighted toward formulation and new product development and the ability to influence ingredient specifications.
Participants were given a list of ten services typically offered by ingredient vendors and asked to rate their availability, desirability, and influence on purchasing decision-making. The services include: new product concepts, consumer market research, starter formulas, analytical support for vendor's own materials, analytical support for products during development, sensory testing of products during development, prototype development, regulatory advice on marketing/health claims, raw material specification sheets, and information on ingredient's regulatory status. The participants also were asked a series of questions regarding their companies' decision-making processes and their involvement in that process.