The American Egg Board announced Wednesday the start of its “Eggcelerator” Lab, a network designed to bring new egg-based ideas to market. The lab is developing market-ready products representing new uses for eggs and egg ingredients.
"The Eggcelerator Lab is aligned with the American Egg Board's mission to drive demand for U.S. eggs and egg products while unlocking new potential value for customers and serving ever-changing consumer needs and desires," said Emily Metz, president and CEO of the Board, in a statement. "It's exciting. The Eggcelerator Lab will put more eggs in front of more people in new ways and will increase opportunities and the size of the market for America's egg farmers."
The Eggcelerator Lab utilizes research and insights that are driving the company’s initiatives while also informing clients as they begin the food development journey. Currently, it is working with various clients to execute pilot projects across the food industry, including with CPG manufacturers, restaurant chains, and others to help bring new products to market.
"We had a single objective: to develop a breakfast sandwich for a major national retail chain. Rather than having a narrow focus from the start, the American Egg Board's Eggcelerator Lab team pushed us to look holistically at the entire breakfast category—hot savory sandwiches, wraps, upscale sandwiches, and more," said Andy Johnson, VP of foodservice sales and marketing at West Liberty Foods, in a statement. "This approach was hugely beneficial and validated our focus. The Lab's process proved effective and efficient from a supplier standpoint."
In addition to proprietary research insights, clients who engage the Eggcelerator Lab have access to the innovation process, concept library, and network of partners that include manufacturers, suppliers, researchers, and subject matter experts, according to the company.
Research insights related to the program have led to new ways to use existing technology to create unique egg ingredients and new ways to cook eggs. For example, the Lab is exploring how to deliver pre-cooked eggs with runny yolks in a grab-and-go format.
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