Kneading Conference 2025

In this presentation, we'll explore how small-scale food producers can leverage strategic new product innovation and packaging development to create offerings that are genuinely desirable to consumers, meaningfully differentiated from the competition, and capable of driving sustainable growth for their businesses. Drawing from proven methodologies used by both Fortune 500 brands and emerging local companies, we'll examine how leading with consumer-first thinking serves as the strategic foundation for making informed decisions about product development priorities, packaging design, and market positioning. Using Maine Grains as a case study, we'll demonstrate how heritage brands can balance authentic storytelling with modern convenience expectations, creating products that honor traditional grain craftsmanship while meeting contemporary consumer needs for quality, transparency, and purpose-driven purchasing.