Product and market research

Improvements in nutritional status often depend upon the introduction of new or changed products-including home recipes for infant foods, fortified staples for general consumption, commercially fortified complementary foods for young children, or micronutrient supplements such as vitamin A, iron, and zinc. Any changes in familiar products, or introduction of new ones, requires sensitive assessments of the local markets, the potential competition, and testing and "positioning" of recipes, products, or supplements with target audiences. AED often works with industry partners as well as local distributors to conduct appropriate product and market research to increase demand for and consumption of high quality, low cost, easily prepared and culturally acceptable foods and supplements by those who are most vulnerable to nutritional deficiencies.