A chain information model for structured knowledge management: towards effective and efficient food product improvement

New food products often fail, because they are not designed according to consumers' wishes or not produced efficiently. Frequently, the information required for an effective and efficient product development process is not relayed to the appropriate actor in the chain. This article presents a conceptual model to gather and disseminate information essential for successful product development. The model is based on the Quality Function Deployment method. Adjustments make it applicable for the development of food products. Using a systematic approach scenario's are generated which indicate possible options for the chain director to realise the intended product quality.