Why Menu R&D?
The food service industry has changed dramatically especially over the past 60 years. Increased competition, global flavor profiles, concerns with health and wellness, and issues of sustainability, amongst other factors, have altered the food service landscape. The CIA has established the Department of Menu R&D as an educational resource for food industry professionals and culinary students, working in this competitive and high-tech environment.
Evolution of the food service industry
Changes in consumer eating behaviors have impacted the food service industry and culinary education significantly over the past 60 years
Factors influencing the food service environment
Globalization, health and wellness, culinary competence....
Introducing Menu Research and Development
New business and educational strategies leverage cross-disciplinary collaborations for culinary professionals.
The GOAL of Menu R&D
Increase profits, foster innovation, and develop collaborative process.
The Menu R&D Process
A collaborative cycle begins with ideation focusing on a customer need. Prototypes are developed and evaluated, the process validated, and a successful product launched.
Process collaboration
Menu R&D is a collaborative effort among the people/departments who are stakeholders in its success.
Learn more about the Menu R&D process
The MenuMasters Center for Menu Research and Development at the CIA’s Greystone campus provides a variety of online and in kitchen programs.
Free On-line Menu R&D discovery course
Take CIA's free online Discovery Course and gain insight into the skill sets and needs of each of the stakeholders, learn how to best develop collaborative strategies.
MenuMasters online curriculum
With support from Ventura Foods, the CIA has developed the MenuMasters Program, consisting of 4 core courses...
Custom corporate Menu R&D programs
In addition to our online educational offerings, we develop custom corporate programs to help jumpstart the menu R&D process.
The take home
Collaboration, innovation, educaton -the CIA is your clearinghouse for Menu R&D.
