An analysis on the new product development processes in food industry (Study of food companies in Tehran province)

New product development is a key issue in the life cycle of firms as well as an important factor in retaining market share in today's dynamic environment. The food industry has a good potential for the new product development due to the nature of its production, on the basis of basic human needs and high demand in the market. This study aims at identifying key activities of the new product development process and determining the challenging and normal activities among to provide a better use of these processes in Iran's food industry by studying Food companies in Tehran province between 1397 and 1398. First, activities related to the new product development process in the literature were gathered, after approval of experts, were distributed in a sample of food industry innovation experts to identify activities of product development. Then, selected activities were distributed by a questionnaire in research statistical population which led to 94 filled questionnaires from 114 companies surveyed. Research results indicate that the companies' interaction-related activities with the supply network, identification of rules and regulations, analyzing the value creation from ideas, capability of market research and marketing and accurate design and product engineering are among the most common challenges of developing new products which calls for more attention of food companies to these activities.