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product. The complexity of shelf life trials depends
on the type of product and the desired shelf life.
Advice and assistance from food scientists at this
point can be useful.
Contact:
Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development
Food Processing Development Centre
780-986-4793
Production Run
Production includes making plans for a production
line to manufacture the product. Do not arrange a
full-scale production line until after successfully test
marketing a new product. Many entrepreneurs rent
facilities or have their products co-packed by an
existing plant for test marketing.
Processing controls must be established to ensure
consistent quality during production. Likewise,
quality control procedures must be developed to
determine if the standards are being met during
production. They also signal when to take corrective
action to prevent economic losses due to deviations
or to ensure product safety.
Test Marketing
Test marketing for small processors means
introducing a new product into a limited area, such
as the town or city you reside in or a suburb of the
city. It is important to select a site with a population
made up of many ethnic groups and income levels. If
the product fails, another product can be tried. If the
product succeeds, it can be distributed in stages to
progressively larger areas (local area, regional,
provincial and national).
Commercialization
Commercialization is the next step and involves the
start-up of full production and the implementation of
the marketing plan. At this stage you launch your
product to the target market. Be sure that you have
made arrangements for a production facility and that
you can produce enough product to meet demand.
There are services available through Alberta
Agriculture and Rural Development and from
private agencies to assist you in the development
of your product. Generally speaking, there will be
a fee for these services. For information on services
that are available contact an Alberta Agriculture and
Rural Development New Venture Coach at
310-FARM (3276).