763-475-0224 merlin@merlindev.com

Services

N

New Product Development

N

Product Formulation and Optimization

N

Scale Up and Production Start Up

N

Technical Problem Solving

N

Translating Concepts to Prototypes

N

Nutrition Facts Panel Development

N

Ingredient Properties and Applications

N

Competitive Product Analysis

N

Food Trend Tracking and Analysis

N

Formula Cost Reduction

N

Shelf Life Testing

N

Packaging Development

Staff Experience

Merlin staff has, on average, 20+ years of food industry experience in addition to many years of education and training. Our knowledge across the majority of food systems translates into unique and effective solutions.

Product and Related Process Expertise

Products and Ingredients

  • Cookies, Crackers, Baked Goods
  • Baking Mixes, Ingredients, Icings, Fillings
  • Bars, Clusters, Granola
  • Popcorn, Chips, Puffed Snacks
  • RTD Beverages & Mixers
  • Instant Beverages
  • Meat & Seafood
  • Entreés & Side Dishes
  • Soups, Sauces, Dressings
  • Tortillas & Wraps
  • Fresh Produce, Fruits, Vegetables
  • Candy Chews and Gummies
  • Yogurt, Ice Cream, Smoothies
  • Sweeteners, Proteins, Fibers
  • Health & Nutrition Ingredients

Processing Baking

  • Thermal processing (all types)
  • Microwaving
  • Frying
  • Freezing

Distribution Systems

  • Frozen
  • Refrigerated
  • Shelf Stable

Food Industry Segments

  • Consumer Packaged Goods
  • Food Service
  • Industrial Food Ingredients

External Resources

Merlin prides itself in the ability to assemble the right team to make your project succeed.  We can partner with an extensive network of trusted resources to compliment our expertise.  Merlin is located in a food industry hub, and has close connections with the Food Science Department at the University of Minnesota.

Global Food Forum – Provides science based conferences that brings food and beverage development professionals together to share practical, impartial technical information.  http://www.globalfoodforums.com/

Full Service Marketing Agencies that help clients develop new product concepts, develop business, position, and launch new food products.

Uniuniversityofminnesotalogoversity of MN Department of Food Science
http://fscn.cfans.umn.edu/

  • Ideation/concept Development
  • Culinary Professionals
  • Trend Thought Leaders
  • Market Research
  • Consumer Guidance Research
  • Microbiology
  • Intellectual Property Law
  • Regulatory
  • Contract Manufacturers
  • Ingredient Suppliers
  • University Facilities and Personnel

 

FACILITIES

Flexible & Effective

Merlin’s 9000 sq. ft. facility includes modular laboratories and kitchens tailored to meet the specific needs of your project. An extensive inventory of equipment allows us to duplicate the process required for most products.

Small scale processes can be assembled in our inspected facility for production of consumer test products.

Partner with Merlin Development