CCD Innovation (CCDI) of the San Francisco Bay Area announced its partnership with JPG Resources of Battle Creek, Mich., to expand chef-inspired innovation, product development, and commercialization services. Through this partnership, the two companies blend their extensive network of experts to create an even richer chef to shelf offering. As part of their new partnership, D’Anne Hayman is joining the CCDI team as key partnerships lead. D’Anne’s years of experience as Global VP of Innovation and Nutrition at the Kellogg Company brings additional deep industry expertise and horsepower to drive CCDI into the future.

This partnership will bring together two leading teams in food and beverage innovation to enhance each organization’s unique strengths: CCDI’s upfront ideation and strategic services are an ideal complement to JPG’s comprehensive R&D and commercialization expertise. “CCDI is one of the best known and most highly respected innovation groups in the food industry, having built a stellar reputation for culinary-inspired innovation for 30 years,“ says Jeff Grogg, managing director, JPG Resources. “We can’t wait to combine the CCDI Chefs Council® and their methods of creating culinary inspiration with JPG’s technical and commercial expertise to bring innovation to life.”

D’Anne Hayman sees the potential in this combination as she shifts focus from JPG to CCDI. “I’m thrilled to be joining CCDI, an organization where I’ve been a very satisfied client, and helping to further build the bridge between front-end innovation and excellence in execution. This combination unlocks the path to bring truly chef-inspired products to the market in a very efficient and aligned manner.”

Marc Halperin, founder and chief culinary officer of CCDI adds, “After founding CCDI, I’m excited to be joining forces with JPG, a partner widely known for bringing innovative new products to in-market success. CCDI plus JPG gives us the ability to envision the finish line from the start, and expands our ability to deliver value to clients at every stage of the innovation journey.”