Food Magazine December 2017 | Page 18

R & D
a certain level of exploration and investment . If something is not feasible , consumers will be told and presented with an alternative that may still resonate with them .
This research is not exclusively carried out in-house either : Pepsi frequently strikes up partnerships with universities and external innovation partners to help ensure its offerings remain relevant .
Sensations One standout project Butterworth recalls is her work on Walkers ’ premium crisp product , Sensations .
Since bursting onto the market back in 2002 , fast-forward to 2009 and the brand was in need of a refresh : new flavours and culinary inspiration were required .
“ We made dishes , went out and sampled menus , and consumers came and ate whole meals with us ,” Butterworth says . “ We wanted people to think about the emotional connection , going back to their coming of age years when they started travelling , drinking wine and the like .
“ This is where we wanted to transport people to – familiar tastes but something worth exploring . We ’ ll

US $ 760mn

– INVESTMENT MADE BY PEPSICO IN R & D IN 2016
18 December 2017