Much like a hypothesis is an educated guess, not a shot in the dark, so is a calculated risk. It’s a theme that recurs in every industry: Identifying unmet needs in under-served markets can pay back in spades for those willing to take a calculated risk. EXPLORE YOUR POTENTIAL >
WHETHER YOU ARE A START-UP OR AN ESTABLISHED EXPORTER, OUR FOOD AND BEVERAGE SPECIALISTS WILL HELP YOU TO:
understand why some people are your customers and why others aren’t
examine your capabilities – and stretch them in the right direction
think and act creatively to achieve significant positive change
follow through with passion
These are the traits of successful innovators – people who calculate the risks and benefits, then follow through – developing the products, launching the services, and ship that first order come hell or high water.
We work along side you to unlock innovation, renew or develop a new product or market and profitably grow your business.
Take the time to talk with us about the benefits of taking calculated risks in your business. CONTACT US >
Success in business is not a mere coincidence
Although applying innovative ideas in the workplace is a good best practice, it's not one that comes easily to many of us. That’s why supporting your business with outside insights can throw up unique ways to hit the sweet spots where high customer value, high strategic value and optimal investment levels intersect.
Our food and beverage specialists bring your opportunities to life with the creative insights, practical knowledge and business acumen to cultivate new product ideas, successfully enter new markets and create an economically viable business.
GAIN VALUABLE INSIGHTS AND DEVELOP INNOVATIVE STRATEGIES
In the modern economy the only competitive advantage an organisation has is its ability to rapidly and accurately translate information into valuable, actionable insights. This means that distilling knowledge is one of the most important abilities an organisation has to create innovative business opportunities.
Our collaborative, down-to-earth approach generates new actionable insights and opportunities through a continuous exchange of knowledge and experience with your team to deliver implementable outcomes quickly and effectively.
We have a wide-ranging network of highly skilled people, and our strong focus on managing change ensures that new opportunities are effectively integrated into your business activities.
From Sales and Marketing through to Operations, Procurement and Logistics, our support extends as deeply into your business as required to provide solution for work procedures, locations and staffing requirements. ensuring effective contributions from all participants.
IMPROVE SYSTEMS AND PROCESSES
Companies today face huge uncertainty about the future. Changing consumer behaviours, greater competition, and disruptive world events have combined to shatter market-place conventions and undermine the ways we do business.
But start-ups and existing exporters with effective and efficient workplace systems and practices are able to overcome the crippling effects of uncertainty to maintain sales growth and margins without compromising customer relationships.
Our top to bottom, soup-to-nuts approach ensures that process value is maximized and inefficiencies eliminated. And our strong focus on continuous improvement and capability development ensures clients are well prepared for competition in the global arena.
SUCCESSFULLY DEVELOP NEW MARKETS
We have the acumen and networks to deliver New Zealand's best food and beverage products to discerning customers around the world.
From start-ups to multi-nationals, we have helped companies successfully launch products into local and international markets, and our sales networks enable us to deliver New Zealand's best food and beverage products to discerning customers around the world.
If it's a project to establish a new brand, launch an extension, enter a new market, or grow sales and margins in existing markets, we help your products to stand out.
DESIGN-LED PRODUCT INNOVATION
In an era where companies can no longer rely on technological breakthroughs and incremental product development for competitive advantage, innovation is high on management agendas.
Our approach to product development is simple: the best results come from customer-centric design-led innovations.
The influence of good design is increasingly important in product success but design is not only about the product itself. Being design-led means having a culture that recognises design as an integral part of all business aspects to stay ahead of the game.
There are many different ways to breathe life into imaginative ideas, and we explore the best way forward on a case-by-case basis rather than by imposing a business straitjacket too early
in the development process.
We collaborate with you along the length of the supply chain, from initial product hypotheses through to product launch and post-launch support, helping you to create new products and services, build more efficient and effective processes and develop more sustainable business models and new ventures.
To evolve by responding, adapting and innovating at speed, is the key to success
technologies and softer changes like new business models and new ways of marketing and distribution. Speed to market cements in these competitive advantages and good international connections amplify the results. From strategic planning and systems thinking, through to pragmatic and practical product and market development, our people give your business the flexibility and additional expertise to bring your opportunities to life in creative, constructive, and adventurous new ways.
Our collaborative approach provides powerful insights; and enables quicker, more efficient results.
Darwin viewed evolution as a slow and gradual process; profound changes are the result of many small differences that accumulate over time as we respond and adapt to the environments we occupy.
But these are revolutionary times – we’re living in an age of acceleration that places enormous pressure on us to keep relevant and competitive.
Knowing how to operate, respond, adapt and innovate at speed, so that we stay at the forefront is the art of life, and the nature of business.
Innovation is all about getting new ideas flowing into the creation of new products, new and improved processes and
case study
Product Development
brief: To create a range of natural and authentic value-added seafood products targeted at discerning consumers looking for convenient, healthy, gourmet meal options. OUTCOMES > Temple Grey worked closely with the client to create a range of “artisanal chic” seafood meal components. No artificial additives or preservatives. Just the best natural and organic New Zealand ingredients. We supported the process of product development from concept through to commercialization. The development and resourcing of sales and marketing support networks to ensure launch success in New Zealand and offshore markets has paved the way for exponential growth for the clients business.
brief: The client has a considerable presence in primary production and sought to complete the value chain by vertically extending its activities through into the production, sales and marketing of branded consumer foods. OUTCOMES >
Market Development
brief: The client is one of the largest food manufacturers in the Pacific Islands. Whilst strong in operational capabilities the client recognised they were weak in their international sales networks, particularly in a newly developed product category. They approached Temple Grey seeking advice. OUTCOMES >
Business Systems
brief: The client identified an opportunity for sales growth that was well outside of its core competencies. To take advantage of this opportunity the client needed to significantly expand its processing capabilities to enable the production of higher value and more innovative products for export markets. OUTCOMES >
Funding
brief: The client operates a business with significant potential to deliver benefits to New Zealand’s economy through export initiatives.
Temple Grey worked closely with the client to access funding support from New Zealand Trade and Enterprise. OUTCOMES >
What got you to the present won’t take you into the future.
Tony Mattson
Tony has a background in strategic planning, transformational change management, business development and award-winning marketing gained through more than 30 years… READ FULL BIO >
Do more than think outside the box. Invent a brand new box!
Professor David Bussion
David is Chairman of the Board of Temple Grey. Emeritus Professor University of Otago and Emeritus Dean School of Business University of Otago, David is a highly… READ FULL BIO >
Marie Grandjonc
Marie offers a lifetime of award-winning technical food services to Temple Grey’s clients. Her work in product development for global markets, labeling information & nutrition…READ FULL BIO >
We are passionate about food and driven to help clients uncover potential & unrealized opportunities
Thomas Grube
Thomas brings a global perspective to developing business systems, concept and product development, marketing, quality management and customer service. His work …READ FULL BIO >
Hugh Campbell
Hugh has extensive hands-on experience in operations, sales, marketing and business management in the international food and beverage industry. His skills have been finely…READ FULL BIO >
Dudley Johnson
Dudley is TempleGrey’s specialist in forensic accounting and economic modeling, mergers and acquisitions, divestments and restructures. He’s also highly skilled in the capture, analysis…READ FULL BIO >
Shamil Gujarati
Shamil is passionate about sourcing the very best products from New Zealand for distribution to wholesalers worldwide. He’s equally knowledgeable about engineering and READ FULL BIO >
Mark Ventress
Mark is Temple Grey’s Business Development Manager. Mark is an enthusiastic and energetic subject expert in fast moving consumer goods and has worked with market leading food brands for over 20 yearsREAD FULL BIO >
The end result of applied know-how is always more than the sum of the parts
Most companies have some process for product development, launch and management through the life-cycle. These often provide detailed plans, check points and go/no go decisions… LEARN MORE >
Some questions to think about before talking with us:
What is the overall goal of your project?
What does this project need to deliver to be successful?
What work is needed to deliver the results that the project intends to deliver? What work falls outside the project?
What risks or roadblocks do you face?
We become completely immersed in our client projects. This challenges us to grow and to continually redefine the ways that we work.
We care deeply about what we do, and we want your business to be successful. Call us now to talk about your opportunities and the challenges you face.
If confidentiality is important, then download our Mutual Confidentiality Agreement, complete the Agreement, and email to us before you call.
Are you ready?
There have been some major shifts in consumer behaviour in our post-recession world.
This creates issues for companies who are caught in the NOW, but opens doors for companies who are willing to rethink their value propositions and innovation programmes. Here are a few tips to get you thinking. download checklist
Tony has a background in strategic planning, transformational change management, business development and award-winning marketing gained through more than 30 years in senior local and international management roles with Sealord, Arnott's, Heinz-Wattie's, Procter & Gamble, and other multi-national food and personal care companies. Tony is a past Chairman of the Organic Products Exporters Group and is an Associate Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Management. He's passionate about building excellent management and leadership capabilities in New Zealand businesses. BACK <
David is Chairman of the Board of Temple Grey. Emeritus Professor University of Otago and Emeritus Dean School of Business University of Otago, David is a highly regarded academic, and a pragmatic and grounded businessman with strong international networks. His interests include food marketing, target marketing of food products to international markets, development of the biotechnology sector, new product development management practices in different cultures, and business development that cross business and technology. David is a member of the Beachheads Advisory panel at New Zealand Trade & Enterprises and is recognized internationally for his contributions to science, technology and business sectors. BACK <
Marie offers a lifetime of award-winning technical food services to Temple Grey's clients. Her work in product development for global markets, labeling information & nutrition panel advisory support, technical support, and technical trouble shooting provides companies with innovative and authentic value-added food solutions. Marie has a long and successful background in cheese making and dairy factory management, is a regular judge in the NZ Cheese Awards, and runs a large fallow deer farm in what little spare time she has. BACK <
Thomas brings a global perspective to developing business systems, concept and product development, marketing, quality management and customer service. His work includes the development and launch of a chain of restaurants for Whitbread PLC, a fast food concept for over 100 outlets in the Kamps Bakery group, a 250 outlet coffee bar concept for Tchibo, the biggest coffee retailer in Germany, and a system of convenience stores for the European market. Throughout his career, he's worked with manufacturers and hospitality companies to get the best results from their business systems, particularly in the area of customer satisfaction. BACK <
Hugh has extensive hands-on experience in operations, sales, marketing and business management in the international food and beverage industry. His skills have been finely honed by operating at the highest business and government levels in Australasia, the Middle East, Asia, Western and Eastern Europe, Russia and USA, and his expertise in strategic planning, change management and business turnarounds has consistently delivered significant and sustained improvements in financial returns for business owners and in the overall value of their enterprises. BACK <
Shamil is passionate about sourcing the very best products from New Zealand for distribution to wholesalers worldwide. He's equally knowledgeable about engineering and food manufacturing processes and now brings those outstanding skills to Temple Grey for the benefit of our clients, delivering increased revenue, margins and value. He has a huge interest in the beverage industry and is a constant advocate of New Zealand's premium food quality. Shamil's enthusiasm and strong finishing abilities invigorate every project that he works on. BACK <
Dudley is Temple Grey's specialist in forensic accounting and economic modeling, mergers and acquisitions, divestments and restructures. He's also highly skilled in the capture, analysis and interpretation of competitive intelligence. Dudley's background in developing successful businesses, his experience as Chief Financial Officer for DB Breweries, and his more recent work in performance improvement with one of New Zealand's largest seafood company all combine to ensure that our clients benefit from outstanding economic, financial and analytical insights and support. BACK <
Mark is Temple Grey’s Business Development Manager. Mark is an enthusiastic and energetic subject expert in fast moving consumer goods and has worked with market leading food brands for over 20 years, predominantly in the chilled and frozen areas. He’s a rounded marketing professional with truly international experience, having worked in the UK, France, Scandinavia and Australasia. Like the rest of the team, Mark is pragmatic, hands-on and fully engaged with the projects he takes on. BACK <
brief: The client identified an opportunity for sales growth that was well outside of its core competencies. To take advantage of this opportunity the client needed to significantly expand its processing capabilities to enable the production of higher value and more innovative products for export markets. OUTCOMES < Temple Grey project-managed the construction and fit-out of a brand new, turnkey processing operation for export sales. This project included a diverse variety of initiatives from developing plant and processing line layouts, sourcing and managing the installation of plant and equipment, and construction work through to plant commissioning and processing trials.
We also developed supporting business systems including preparation and independent validation of the Risk Management Plan, HACCP plans, product and processing specifications and operational policies and procedures.
To complete the project we recruited and trained key operational staff to run the operations. BACK <
brief: The client has a considerable presence in primary production and sought to complete the value chain by vertically extending its activities through into the production, sales and marketing of branded consumer foods. OUTCOMES < Temple Grey worked closely with the client and key customers in local and offshore markets to identify and develop a branded consumer foods division. The fully vertically integrated business now has sufficient scale to become a significant player within the aquaculture industry.
Having successfully achieved the initial objectives, we continue to work with the client, providing commercial management activities for the division. BACK <
brief: The client is one of the largest food manufacturers in the Pacific Islands. Whilst strong in operational capabilities the client recognised they were weak in their international sales networks, particularly in a newly developed product category. They approached Temple Grey seeking advice. OUTCOMES < Temple Grey worked closely with the client to identify and prioritise key export markets. Sales networks were developed and international sales efforts were coordinated through our sales desk support services.
The company has enjoyed considerable success following the launch of its new product categories and continues to use our market development services. BACK <
brief: The client operates a business with significant potential to deliver benefits to New Zealand’s economy through export initiatives.
Temple Grey worked closely with the client to access funding support from New Zealand Trade and Enterprise. OUTCOMES < Through our submissions, NZTE has determined that the business has the ability to significantly contribute to New Zealand's long-term growth, including through success internationally in the short to medium term.
The outcome has been hugely beneficial to the client - included in NZTE's tailored package of programmes and services; a very significant level of financial support has been made available for international growth.
Most companies have some process for product development, launch and management through the life-cycle. These often provide detailed plans, check points and go/no go decisions and goals for every stage of the product’s development. But the sad fact is that 80-90% of all products fail within three years of launch.
Why the high failure rate?
There's no shortage of reasons offered but the reality for most product failures is that the product development processes are focused on the activities that go on inside the company own four walls. All too frequently customer input becomes a late-stage 'decision gate' in the process instead of being the driving force behind the whole development.
Design-led product development ensures that the needs of your end-users drive the development process, and our collaborative approach helps you to develop the right capabilities as well as the best opportunities. BACK <
Our food and beverage specialists bring your opportunities to life with the creative insights, practical knowledge and business acumen to cultivate new product ideas, successfully enter new markets and create an economically viable business.
What got you to the present won’t take you into the future.
