NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT PRACTICES OF THE U.S. CONFECTIONERY MANUFACTURERS: 2006 SURVEY PRELIMINARY FINDINGS

Abstract

This paper reports on the new product development practices of the U.S. confectionery manufacturers. A mail survey method was used to collect data. Confectionery manufacturers, specifically, new product development managers listed in the Thomas Food and Beverage Marketplace were contacted. A donation to charity on behalf of the respondents was used as an incentive to participate in the study. Analyses of the data, including graphical, descriptive, cross-tabulation, and correlation were conducted using SAS and SPSS econometric softwares and Microsoft Excel. Preliminary findings of the survey are reported in this paper.Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies,