Delicious Developments

Yesterday we (Tracie, Ashley and I) were discussing what was going to happen during the Fall market season since Tracie had told us in the past that it was a little different from the Summer market season. Somehow I had arrived at the conclusion that savory scones sounded like a good idea. Tracie said Ben, her partner in the beginning, and his wife do make savory scones. She and Ashley both agreed with me, that it sounded pretty tasty, so we are strongly considering it in the coming months. Tracie suggested I write about that conversation in the blog, and it got me thinking about all the product development I do on my own when I'm deciding what kind of cake to make. It lead me to write this list, which I have gone back and entitled it:

Things I have learned to think about in the product development process
(Other than, "does this taste good?")

• Will this compete with any of the other products?
• Would it compete with anyone at the market?
  
• Are seasonal ingredients involved? (This is not always thought about in an obvious way. For example, while we were thinking about the savory scone idea, it came up that this would be a good way to make up for the blueberry and raspberry scones, since those berries won't be in season much longer and thus not as readily available at the price they are now.)
  
• What will the weather be like? (This sounds silly, but you would be surprised how much more chocolate cake you would sell on a cool day than a hot one. )
• How much will it cost to make?
  
• How long will it take?
  
• Is it something that is different enough that people will buy it, but not so different that they are scared to try it?
  
• How easy it is to transport?
  
• Will I be able to leave it out on the table for a couple of hours without it becoming unsafe to eat?
• Is it pretty? (This also sounds like such a weird thing to think about, but it's true...I make a chocolate cake that was pretty tasty...but it wasn't very dark and chocolate-y looking and my sales were really low that week.)
  

I would say my baking background before taking this up was pretty strong...but the business part not so much. I'm learning so much about the business aspect of baking for a farmers' market, and I love it!