Comprehensive, actionable, and R&D-oriented solutions.

We combine expert judgement with AI-powered tools to deliver predictive insights and recommendations that drive better decisions, curate high potential opportunities, and de-risk launches.

WORK WITH US

Capturing demand in a growing category

From trend identification to launch: how we built a high-velocity, category-expanding brand and product line.

  • Identify the best trend and product opportunity to serve the Target family shopper.

    Translate Target’s grocery objectives into relevant product innovation opportunities that drive consumer demand and increase share of wallet.

    Trend Exploration

    • “Allergen free” related topics grew an average 12% in past 6 months. 

    AI Content Analysis

    • Identified acute and actionable need: parents seeking better-for-you allergen free snack options. 

    Retail Product Database

    • Identified a gap in savory snacks.

  • Designed to fill white space, stand out on-shelf, and drive repeat purchase.

    Differentiation and category alignment

    • Define executional sandbox that matched consumer priorities and demand-driving attributes. 

    • BFY organic ingredients; vegetable inclusion

    • Kid-friendly flavors

    • Mid-tier accessible pricing 

    Expert R&D

    • Identified sweet potato puree as the most feasible, desirable ingredient.

    Consumer Satisfaction

    • Finalized a formula that drives repeat purchase: crispy, buttery satisfying texture, and mild, craveable flavors.

  • Pre-launch retail acceptance, velocity growth, and strong repeat purchase.

    • Project was deprioritized due to company reorg within Target.

    • Starday proceeded with owned launch.

    • 1300 stores in first 6 months.

    • +35% velocity in first 4 months on shelf.

    • RPR is keeping pace as sales grow, indicating increased customer loyalty.

Category disrupting Chickpea Protein Topper

All Day reinvigorated a stagnating category by introducing a chickpea-based protein topper with unmatched taste, texture, and versatility.

  • Addressing the fail-points of plant protein in a sleepy category. 

    Trend Exploration

    • Consumer demand was growing, but satisfaction and RPR/LTV weren't pacing.

    • Increased interest in chickpea as a plant-based protein source.

    • Trader Joe’s Furikake topping product was growing in popularity.

    Consumer Predictions

    • Top frustrations impacting RPR: poor taste and texture, over-processed ingredients

    Retail Product Database

    • Salad toppers category has high average velocity but no recent innovations.

  • Differentiated and designed for frequent consumption.

    Expert R&D

    • R&D identified a clean TVP chickpea protein. 

    • TVP enables satisfying crunch and savory, versatile flavors that go well with many foods.

    Differentiation

    • Final product execution was designed for versatility to increase use and purchase frequency.

    Consumer Satisfaction

    • Taste test results indicated above benchmark performance across all metrics. Rating & Reviews match.

  • Category-growth driver with increased $/SKU & velocity.

    All Day reinvigorated a stagnating category by introducing a chickpea-based protein topper with unmatched taste, texture, and versatility. 

    • Pre-launch retailer acceptance to Sprouts Farmers Market 

    • Performance in first 6 months:

      • #1 in $/door

      • 72% above average velocity 

      • #4 in category velocity

      • 50% increase in $/door

Identifying a sustainable trend & unmet category opportunity

Working with a partner to sharpen an existing concept by acutely understanding consumer need and defining a clear white space within a crowded, growing category.

  • Identifying white space & define clear product direction.

    Our client had completed standard desk research and analysis but was lacking a strong POV on their competitive advantage. 

    • Existing focus was on solubility. 

    • Existing prototype was freeze-dried, expensive, and undifferentiated. 

    Product Review Insights:

    • Analysis of consumer feedback and behaviors indicated an unsolved desire in at-home matcha: the taste and texture of a cafe beverage.

    Retail Product Database:

    • Identified constraints and guidelines for category alignment: positioning, pricing, and ingredients.

  • Priority product executions and opportunities for differentiation.

    Consumer Satisfaction 

    We identified the key demand-driving consumer paint point and need: texture & mouthfeel.

    Differentiation & Expert R&D

    Delivery of contextualized insights and actionable recommendations across trend, category, consumer, and product. 

    • Formulation & positioning shift to dry latte mix. 

    • Inclusion of higher fat content to improve textural mouthfeel. 

    • Use of a blend of ceremonial and culinary grade to achieve color and cost savings.

    • Recommended roadmap of differentiated flavor extensions based on cafe trends, not client’s list of irrelevant health benefits and flavors.

  • Detailed, actionable product recommendations in 2 weeks. 

    Refinement of client product direction: defining a differentiated, better-tasting matcha latte mix.

    • Cut our partner’s concept development timeline by >75%.

    • Adoption of our recommendations enabled a quick turnaround for a finalized, leadership-approved formulation, allowing them to confidently execute consumer testing.