In the latest in the IFE Manufacturing NPD Insights series, we talk to Food Consultant & Industry Expert Alice Chandler about her career, recent projects and some of the major trends and opportunities in the world of NPD. 

Tell us a bit about who you are and what you do?

Hello! I’m Alice Chandler, a passionate foodie turned food scientist. I work as a food consultant, specialising in helping companies of all sizes innovate, develop, and launch exciting new products into major supermarkets, as well as foodservice channels like QSR and cafés.

What are some recent projects/products you’ve worked on?

As Interim Product Director for Little Dish, I recently led the launch of a fresh, nutritious meal range designed specifically for children aged 4+. Packed with vegetables and free from artificial additives, these meals fill a clear gap in the market by bridging the transition between toddler and adult food, offering healthy, delicious options that kids genuinely enjoy.

I also collaborated with Holy Moly to launch an exciting array of new products. These include five fresh, natural sauces—like chimichurri and satay—and a lineup of hot cheesy dips, such as Nacho Chilli Cheese and Alpine Fondue. These dips add a heat-to-eat twist to the chilled dip category. Both projects involved rapid development cycles, moving from concept to launch within six months, while establishing new supply chains and packaging solutions.

What is your starting point when it comes to new product development?

For me, successful product development begins with identifying a clear opportunity. This means asking critical questions: Is there demand for this? What problem does it solve? Who’s the target audience, and how scalable is the idea? Researching feasibility, understanding consumer needs, and planning how to bring the product to market are key starting points in the process.

What are some trends or opportunities you’ve been seeing recently in NPD?

One trend I’m particularly interested in is the growing awareness around ultra-processed foods. Consumers are becoming more mindful of what goes into their food and the impact of certain ingredients. I enjoy challenging the status quo, finding ways to replace heavily processed components with natural and healthier alternatives wherever possible.

Little Dish is a brand focused on healthy and delicious kids meals, what do you have to keep in mind when developing products specifically aimed at kids & families?

When creating meals for children, especially for a brand like Little Dish, it’s crucial to meet strict nutritional guidelines aligned with government recommendations. Beyond the numbers, the food needs to taste amazing—kids have to want to eat it! As a mum, I’m passionate about balancing nutrition with flavour to ensure kids enjoy their meals, leaving them satisfied and nourished (and the parents happy!).

How important is packaging/branding to the success of a product?

Packaging is vital to a product’s success. Technically, it ensures the product reaches consumers in its best condition. Visually, it drives shelf appeal and purchase intent. At Holy Moly, we recently revamped our packaging by switching to square pots and vertically stacked SRPs. This has significantly enhanced shelf visibility and brand presence.

What do you love about working in NPD?

I’ve always loved food, growing up in a family where it was the glue that brought everyone together. Our meals weren’t just cooked from scratch but often made with ingredients grown in our own kitchen garden. Working in food allows me to combine this lifelong passion with creativity and science to develop innovative products—a true dream come true. I also thrive on tackling technical challenges, from optimising factory processes to finding solutions for seemingly impossible problems. Every day in NPD is different, and I love the balance of creativity, strategy, and problem-solving it brings.

To keep up to date with all the latest food development and production news, insights, interviews and industry trends, subscribe to the IFE Manufacturing newsletter. Find out more about Alice at www.alicechandlerfood.com.