Unlocking success in food innovation
Most new food brands struggle to launch products due to lack of experience with the complex food industry.
Our mission is to empower your success by harnessing our expertise and experience to fast-track your journey and steer clear of common obstacles.
Services
Market Research
We’ll deliver an accurate assessment of the market opportunity for your product along with industry trends and actionable insights so that you know how big a piece of the pie you can expect.
Branding & Packaging
We’ll create logos, copy and beautiful packaging that communicate your brand’s unique value and product offering in a way that matches your target customer’s expectations.
Commercialization
We’ll guide you through all aspects of commercialization from product development and manufacturer selection to shelf-life testing, including costing analyses along the way to calculate unit economics.
Current and Past Projects
Plant-Based, Gluten-Free Cookie Mixes
New manufacturing facilities in U.S. and Canada for large-scale production and wider distribution in U.S.
Premium Alcohol-Infused Popcorn
New manufacturer to scale in Canada and launch in U.S.; featured at the 2023 Oscars
Vegan Deli Salads
Launch in U.S. grocery stores; replace the usual egg salad, tuna salad and chicken salad using vegan ingredients
Vegan Protein Bars
Concept to launch, marketed and sold both directly to the consumer online and through retail stores, including the high-end Erewhon chain
Asian Sauces
Developed in a restaurant for distribution throughout Canada
Alternative Milks
Coordinating all aspects of gathering customer feedback and translating that into actionable insights to assist with GTM strategy in the U.S.
Healthier-For-You Ice Cream
Production and initial launch in the U.S.
Multi-Purpose Baking Mix
Scale production for grocery store distribution in Canada
Gluten-Free Toaster Pastries
Manufacturing search and selection for initial launch in Canada
Chickpea Tofu
Initial launch of a novel product for distribution in Canada
Falafels & More
Move production of frozen, Mediterranean prepared foods with high-volume distribution to a larger facility
Client Testimonial
We couldn't be happier with the invaluable support we have received from Ali. Her expertise and dedication have been instrumental in the success of our brand.
Ali’s negotiation skills and innovative thinking led to a cost-saving solution with our Canadian manufacturer, reducing our unit cost by $0.30 through a secondary operation involving the chocolate ingredient. This showed a deep understanding of our business needs.
Ali's commitment to our long-term success was evident when she identified and selected a specialty manufacturer for a key ingredient. This strategic move will not only reduce costs but also ensure control over the production process, saving us from high freight costs associated with existing suppliers.
Ali’s meticulous approach extends to maintaining a comprehensive costing spreadsheet, allowing us to track the impact of various changes in ingredients, packaging, volumes, and distribution fees on our margins. This level of transparency is critical for our business planning.
In short, Ali's dedication, expertise, and problem-solving skills have played a pivotal role in shaping our brand into the successful, allergen-free, plant-based cookie mix brand it is today, on the verge of nationwide launches in both the U.S. and Canada. We wholeheartedly recommend Ali’s services to anyone seeking a strategic partner who truly understands the intricacies of the food industry.
-Brand Owner
About our Founder
Overview
Ali Michel is an MIT and Stanford trained executive and the founder of Next Food Consulting. With over two decades of experience in Food & Tech, Ali has successfully led the launch of multiple food products, including her own brand of vegan protein bars, which she marketed and sold both directly to the consumer online and through retail stores, including the high-end Erewhon chain. This journey has equipped her with a deep understanding of commercialization, from product development to strategic market entry. In addition, she has partnered with a team of specialists in branding, package design, market research, and more, with the aim of empowering entrepreneurs in navigating the complexities of the CPG industry.
Ali is currently looking to connect with CPG brands, brand accelerators, investors, etc. who would be interested in sharing their stories and any current challenges, so that she can continue to build her firm to address the most common and urgent needs.
Ali’s answer to the question: Why the interest in CPG?
“My passion for food and innovation has deep roots, with a family history steeped in beverages and flavors—my great-grandfather was the inventive mind behind Dad's Root Beer. My personal journey with food aligns with a strong focus on nutrition and functionality. Over two decades ago, I decided to eliminate cow's milk from my diet, a choice that reflects my commitment to health.
In 2015, I took another step towards well-being by giving up gluten, a move that has significantly influenced my dietary choices. The challenge of managing gestational diabetes during both of my pregnancies heightened my awareness of sugar content in everything I consumed. This experience, coupled with my interest in understanding how exercise impacts insulin levels, led me to incorporate daily workouts into my routine.
As a former student athlete who played softball for a total of 20 years, I understand the importance of a balanced and mindful approach to nutrition. While not a vegan, I consciously limit my intake of red meat. Additionally, I've adopted a lifestyle that involves minimal alcohol consumption and no caffeine. Overall, my commitment to a clean diet reflects my belief in the profound impact of mindful food choices on our well-being.
Let's collaborate to bring healthier food options to the world.”
Contact us.
Contact us to learn more about our mission and work, or to become involved yourself.
We’ll start with a brief complimentary phone call, we look forward to talking with you.