Free tool
Launch-readiness checkup
11 questions, about 3 minutes. See where your product stands and what is missing before you talk to a manufacturer.
Product development and small-batch prototyping
From first batch to first shelf.
We apply culinary sciences to develop, formulate and launch food products for brands of every size. Twenty-five years of kitchen and plant-floor experience, with you from the first idea to full production.
25+years in food development
Freefirst consultation
Full-spectrumculinary sciences
Nationwideco-manufacturer search
The full process
Eight steps from idea to shelf. We add value at every one.
We can join you for the entire journey, a single step in the process, or anything in between. Our services are tailored to your needs.
1
Ideation
Shape the concept
Food innovation and conceptualization: turning an idea into a product with a clear market, price point and feasibility.
Where we add value
We pressure-test the idea early, so you spend nothing on formulas that cannot scale.
2
Formulation
Develop the recipe
Custom formulation and recipe development, including technical builds in fermentation, protein and nutrient profiles.
Where we add value
Specialized skills and out-of-the-box problem solving on the difficult formulas.
3
Prototyping
Make it in small batches
Small-batch prototypes for tastings, buyer samples and trials. For ingredient makers, B2B samples that sell the ingredient.
Where we add value
Real samples in real formats, fast, before you commit to a plant run.
4
Procurement
Source and cost the ingredients
Supplier identification and ingredient validation, then work with the chosen suppliers to develop COGS and financial modeling.
Where we add value
Validated ingredients and a cost model built on real supplier quotes, so margins are known before production.
5
Operations
Build the structure
Packaging development, regulatory compliance and the operational groundwork a product needs to ship.
Where we add value
One team that knows what each requirement means for your formula and cost.
6
Co-manufacturer
Find the right partner
A nationwide search to identify co-manufacturers able to produce your product to standard.
Where we add value
We know the plants and ask the questions to save you time and get you into production quickly and efficiently.
7
Contract
Negotiate the terms
Contract negotiation with the co-manufacturer you choose.
Where we add value
Experienced eyes on pricing, minimums and responsibilities, on your side of the table.
8
Scale-up and launch
Go to production
Scaling the formulation up with the manufacturer, plus freight, logistics and 3PL services.
Where we add value
Creative ways to scale challenging formulations, and support through the first shipment.
Our promise
We tell you the truth.
We don't sugar-coat and we don't gloss over details. If your formula cannot scale, your costs don't work or we aren't the right fit, we'll say so, even if it means losing the contract.
Every project runs on the highest level of integrity, and we communicate clearly at every step so you always know where things stand.
Who you'll work with
A chef and an operator, not an agency.
LaunchTime Solutions is led by Eric Kinniburgh, a classically trained chef, restaurateur and food-industry executive. He has spent more than 25 years in kitchens and plants, leading operations for food brands from pre-revenue through national distribution.
Your project is handled by the person with the experience, from the first conversation to the first production run.
Food safety credentials
- PCQI
- HACCP
- Better Process Controls
- HTST pasteurization
Certified training in preventive controls, hazard analysis and thermal processing.
Services
Everything between the idea and the shelf.
Hire us for one stage or all of them. Either way, you get straight answers and a plan you can follow.
- Food innovation and conceptualization
- Custom formulation and recipe development
- Co-manufacturer identification and contract negotiation
- Packaging development and regulatory compliance
- Freight, logistics and 3PL services
- End-to-end operations support
For ingredient makers · B2B prototyping
A spec sheet doesn't sell an ingredient. A finished sample does.
We develop formulations around your ingredient and produce small-batch prototypes for other food manufacturers, so your sales team can put a finished product in a prospect's hands.
- Bars
- Snacks
- Beverages
- Baked goods
- Confections
- Fermented foods
- Sauces and dressings
- Seasonings and spices
- Dairy alternatives
- Meat alternatives
- Frozen desserts
- Prepared meals
Free tools
Not ready to talk yet? Start here.
Check how ready your product is, vet a co-manufacturer yourself, or look up a term you heard on a plant call.
Free tool
Co-manufacturer vetting checklist
The 54 questions we ask before recommending a plant, as a free printable PDF.
Free tool
Co-man and food development glossary
Plain-English definitions of the terms plants, buyers and regulators will use with you.
Specialty
Hard formulations welcome.
We take the projects other teams turn down: the ones that call for specialized skills and out-of-the-box problem solving. Then we find creative ways to scale those challenging formulations up with your manufacturer.
Common questions
Asked before you ask.
Anything else, send it through the form. The first conversation is free.
Do you only work on plant-based products?
No. Plant-based is one specialty among several. We formulate across categories, including fermentation, protein and nutrient-dense products.
Can we hire you for just one step?
Yes. Join us for the entire journey, a single step, or anything in between: a formula review, a co-manufacturer search, a food safety plan.
What does the first conversation cost?
Nothing. The first consultation is free, and you leave it with a straight answer either way.
What if our idea will not work?
We tell you. If a formula cannot scale or the costs do not work, you hear it from us early, before you spend on production.
We make an ingredient, not a finished food. Can you help?
Yes. We develop formulations around your ingredient and produce small-batch samples your sales team can put in a prospect’s hands.
How do engagements work?
Hourly, a monthly retainer, or a defined project under a written statement of work. We recommend the fit in the free consultation.
Tell us what you want to launch.
The first conversation is free. Send a few details and someone will reply in less than 24 hours.