On April 23, 1985, Coca-Cola Co. famously announced that it was trading in its Coca-Cola (aka Coke) soft drink’s nearly century-old secret formula for a new, sweeter one. Certain taste tests had shown that many consumers preferred the sweeter taste of Pepsi, so “New Coke” was the company’s answer to that particular problem.

Back in July 2018, Dairy Foods ran an online poll asking readers which dairy category they believed was most in need of innovation. When all was said and done, milk rose to the top as the category screaming loudest for attention, with 41% of the votes.

Kraft Foods got its new Fresh Take product on the shelf in about 12 months after the idea was conceived. Kraft launched the cheese-and-breadcrumbs kit in January 2012 with six SKUs, and will soon add three more flavors.

If you're a cheese manufacturer and a cheese buyer has requested something not currently made by your company, how do you respond? The choice you make may have lasting impact on your long-term relationship with the buyer.Don't let yourself and your company be caught unprepared.