The annual R&D survey conducted in March and April by Food Processing found that among 215 respondents, half engaged in open innovation. New product development will be the top priority this year for 39% of companies. R&D budgets remained about the same compared to last year for 47% of respondents, while 23% reported increases and 14% indicated decreases. Food safety will be most influential to the R&D strategy over the next year for 53% of companies, up from 47% in 2012. Over the next several years, developing healthier foods was most important to 55% of companies, and regulatory issues came next, at 48%. New nutrition labels highlighting added sugar proposed by the FDA has prompted 28% of companies to focus on removing sugar from their products. Dietary guidelines are a concern for 65% of respondents, though less so than when they were new in 2011. However, this may change next year, when new guidelines are expected to be issued.

Source: Food Processing