Product development
Bespoke supplement NPD from 1,000 units
Formulation, ingredient sourcing, flavour and texture work, technical and back-of-pack support, claims feasibility, and Novel Foods review. NPD at Nootro is a structured process: from brief to costed production path in 4 to 8 weeks for most formulations.
What's included
Formulation, sourcing, and flavour work
NPD at Nootro is a structured process. We scope feasibility, develop the formula against your target claims and sensory profile, source compliant ingredients from vetted suppliers, and prototype until the sample is right.
A typical NPD project runs 4 to 8 weeks. For gummies (flavour-heavy iteration) and liquids (stability-heavy testing) we often run 6 to 10 weeks. You leave NPD with a documented formulation, full product specification, sampling batches at production scale, stability data, Novel Foods status review, claims feasibility review, and a costed path to production.
We formulate across all four of our production formats. Capsules, gummies, powders, liquids. We'll often recommend a format switch during NPD if your active load or target consumer fits better elsewhere.
- Formulation and reformulation (existing products welcome)
- Ingredient sourcing from vetted global suppliers
- Flavour, sweetener, and texture development
- Prototype sampling batches at production scale
- Full product specification, back-of-pack guidance, COAs, and costing
- Regulatory, technical, and Novel Foods status review for compliance-sensitive actives
Timeline and cost
Scoped and priced by complexity
NPD is quoted per project, scoped and priced on complexity. We can support simple reformulations right through to highly complex projects, and we quote NPD separately from production so the cost is transparent.
Most projects move from signed brief to first sampling round in 3 to 4 weeks. Sampling typically runs 1 to 3 rounds depending on sensory and stability targets. Once the formulation is locked, you have a documented spec, a costed production quote, and a timeline you can plan a launch around.
For brands with an existing product looking to switch manufacturer, reformulation NPD is faster (typically 2 to 4 weeks) because the target sensory and claims profile is already proven in market.
- Feasibility and indicative cost within 5 working days of brief
- Sampling at production scale, not lab-only
- 1 to 3 sampling rounds typical
- Costed production quote on formulation sign-off
- Reformulation pathway for brands switching manufacturer
Why bespoke
Generic formulas don't differentiate
Generic formulas can be faster to launch and cheaper upfront, but they do not create a unique product. You do not own the formulation, you cannot tell a defensible product story to a retail buyer, and another brand may be selling the same blend under their label.
Unique is best. Bespoke NPD costs more upfront and takes longer, but in return you own the formulation IP, tune the product to your buyer and positioning, and build a story that holds up in a pharmacy or grocery first-call meeting. Over a 12 to 24 month launch arc, bespoke usually wins on total brand economics, not just product quality.
- You own the formulation IP after NPD
- Product tuned to your buyer, positioning, and price point
- Defensible story for retail buyer conversations
- Scales from 1,000-unit launch batches to 500k+ monthly volumes
NPD output capability
What you get and how long it takes.
Product development FAQs
Common questions from brand founders scoping NPD.
What does your NPD process cost?
NPD is quoted per project, scoped and priced on complexity. We can support simple reformulations right through to highly complex projects, and we quote NPD separately from production so the cost is transparent.
How long does NPD take?
4 to 8 weeks for most formulations. Gummies and liquids often run 6 to 10 weeks because flavour and stability iteration take longer. Reformulations of existing in-market products typically run 2 to 4 weeks.
Who owns the formulation IP after NPD?
You do, in writing, where commercially agreed. This is a deliberate part of our bespoke model: you can take the formula elsewhere if you ever need to. Generic formula routes typically retain IP with the manufacturer.
Do you offer 'free NPD'?
No. NPD is scoped and quoted as its own project, with pricing based on complexity. That keeps development costs transparent before production is costed.
Can I bring an existing formulation?
Yes. Reformulation projects are common, brands switching manufacturer or improving an existing product. We assess the formula, recommend any changes for stability, sourcing, or claims, and re-quote.
Do you handle Novel Foods regulatory work?
We hold multiple Novel Foods dossiers and check status for every formulation at NPD feasibility. If your product is in scope of our dossiers, we manufacture under our authorisation. If not, we flag the regulatory path upfront.
What's in the documentation pack at the end of NPD?
Full product specification, sampling batch records, stability data, Novel Foods status review, claims feasibility review, ingredient COAs, and a costed production quote.
Ready to start your formulation?
Bring us a brief, an existing product, or just a target market and active load. We'll come back with feasibility, indicative cost, and a costed NPD pathway.
Related
Related: our full contract manufacturing services, our Novel Foods capability, and why we're bespoke-only.