Services for investors & strategics
We offer qualitative and data-driven assessments to stress test assumptions and hypotheses, mitigate risk, optimise portfolio management, and foster innovation across the entire value chain.
Industry expertise combined with AI technology
Fueling success with data-centric strategies
The food and beverage industry is a complex landscape fraught with uncertainty. Investors face immense pressure to identify promising opportunities while mitigating risk. Our role is to illuminate your path forward.
We understand the challenges you face: tight deadlines, high expectations, and the constant need to outmaneuver competitors. Our data-driven approach, coupled with over 25 years of industry expertise, empowers you to make informed, confident decisions.
Introducing In4sight®
To thrive, you need insights that are not just accurate but actionable. That’s where IN4sight comes in.
Our tailored AI/ML-powered platform delivers unparalleled insights, enabling you to navigate complexities, identify opportunities, and mitigate risks with confidence.
Built upon decades of industry experience and an extensive global network of expertise, our services provide dynamic custom intelligence to:
Accelerate Decision Making
Transform vast amounts of data into actionable insights, enabling faster and more informed decision-making across your organisation.
Assess & Mitigate Risk
Identify potential challenges, assess their impact, and develop robust mitigation strategies to safeguard your investments.
Optimise Portfolios
Evaluate the performance of existing products and brands, identify growth opportunities, and prioritise resource allocation for maximum ROI.
Fuel Innovation
Uncover emerging trends, consumer preferences, and conduct technological feasibility analyses to drive product development and innovation.
Enhance Strategic Planning
Develop data-driven strategies and predictive models that align with your business objectives and position your organisation for long-term success.
Maintain Competitive Edge
Gain a deeper understanding of the competitive landscape and identify opportunities to diversify and de-risk your portfolio.
Custom intelligence & advisory services across the entire F&B value chain
Speciality Ingredients
Ingredient sourcing and evaluation
Formulation & optimisation
Regulatory compliance assessment
Cost-benefit analysis
Product & Process Development
Market analysis & trend identification
Concept generation & validation
Manufacturing & Operations
Speciality Ingredients
Product & Process Development
Manufacturing & Operations
Make or Buy analysis
Supply chain & logistics
Cost reduction & efficiency analysis
Quality control and assurance
Ingredient sourcing and evaluation
Formulation & optimisation
Regulatory compliance assessment
Cost-benefit analysis
Market analysis & trend identification
Concept generation & validation
Make or Buy analysis
Supply chain & logistics
Cost reduction & efficiency analysis
Quality control and assurance
Make or Buy analysis
Supply chain & logistics
Cost reduction & efficiency analysis
Quality control and assurance
Ingredient sourcing and evaluation
Formulation & optimisation
Regulatory compliance assessment
Cost-benefit analysis
Market analysis & trend identification
Concept generation & validation
Make or Buy analysis
Supply chain & logistics
Cost reduction & efficiency analysis
Quality control and assurance
Compliance by Design
Nutritional labelling
Health claims
Sustainability assessment
Audit regulatory systems
Route to Market
Identification of target channels
Evaluate channel performance
Partner selection
Market entry strategies
Consumer
Compliance by Design
Route to Market
Consumer
Consumer research and insights
Trend analysis & forecasting
Consumer segmentation & targeting
Consumer behaviour & preferences
Nutritional labelling
Health claims
Sustainability assessment
Audit regulatory systems
Identification of target channels
Evaluate channel performance
Partner selection
Market entry strategies
Consumer research and insights
Trend analysis & forecasting
Consumer segmentation & targeting
Consumer behaviour & preferences
Advisory Case Studies
M&A Assistance in Natural Food Ingredients
Challenge
A private equity firm, sought to enter the Natural Food Ingredients space through an acquisition. They required a comprehensive assessment of a potential target business.
Our approach
We conducted an in-depth analysis of the target company, including its current and prospective market position, portfolio strength, and growth potential. Our assessment covered market attractiveness, competitive landscape, potential risks, and identification and synergies.
Outcome
Equipped with a clear understanding of the target company’s value proposition, our client made an informed decision regarding the acquisition, maximising their return on investment.
Strategic Development in Alternative Proteins
Challenge
A global supplier of ingredients sought to expand into the alternative proteins market. They required a 10-year strategic roadmap to validate the potential of this future growth platform.
Our approach
Over a 6-month period, we developed a comprehensive, two-phase strategy. Phase one focused on market analysis and consumer insights to identify target segments and opportunities. Phase two addressed the ‘how’ with scenario planning and value chain simulation techniques.
Outcome
- Assessed attractiveness of alternative proteins business;
- Identified five attractive areas;
- Produced an executable strategy, which in selected cases involved identifying, screening, and approaching M&A targets
Nutraceutical/Functional Food Ingredients Business Plan Support
Challenge
A client aimed to expand its presence in the Northern European nutraceutical and functional food ingredient market. They needed a comprehensive business plan to guide their strategic growth.
Our approach
We conducted a thorough market analysis, including competitive benchmarking, trends analysis, and screening of over 100 individual ingredients. Based on these findings, we developed a comprehensive business plan outlining market entry strategies for a recommended shortlist of ingredients, sales and regional distribution channels.
Outcome
The client received enough background data as well as market and competitive insights to successfully develop its business plan and gain traction in the Northern European market.
Advisory Case Studies
M&A Assistance in Natural Food Ingredients
Challenge
A private equity firm, sought to enter the Natural Food Ingredients space through an acquisition. They required a comprehensive assessment of a potential target business.
Our approach
We conducted an in-depth analysis of the target company, including its current and prospective market position, portfolio strength, and growth potential. Our assessment covered market attractiveness, competitive landscape, potential risks, and identification and synergies.
Outcome
Equipped with a clear understanding of the target company’s value proposition, our client made an informed decision regarding the acquisition, maximising their return on investment.
Advisory Case Studies
Strategic Development in Alternative Proteins
Challenge
A global supplier of ingredients sought to expand into the alternative proteins market. They required a 10-year strategic roadmap to validate the potential of this future growth platform.
Our approach
Over a 6-month period, we developed a comprehensive, two-phase strategy. Phase one focused on market analysis and consumer insights to identify target segments and opportunities. Phase two addressed the ‘how’ with scenario planning and value chain simulation techniques.
Outcome
- Assessed attractiveness of alternative proteins business;
- Identified five attractive areas;
- Produced an executable strategy, which in selected cases involved identifying, screening, and approaching M&A targets
Nutraceutical/Functional Food Ingredients Business Plan Support
Challenge
A client aimed to expand its presence in the Northern European nutraceutical and functional food ingredient market. They needed a comprehensive business plan to guide their strategic growth.
Our approach
We conducted a thorough market analysis, including competitive benchmarking, trends analysis, and screening of over 100 individual ingredients. Based on these findings, we developed a comprehensive business plan outlining market entry strategies for a recommended shortlist of ingredients, sales and regional distribution channels.
Outcome
The client received enough background data as well as market and competitive insights to successfully develop its business plan and gain traction in the Northern European market.
Over the past four-or-so years, I have worked with Raphaëlle on a variety of projects focused on identifying emerging and future global and regional health and wellness and nutrition trends in food, beverages, and supplements. Raphaëlle has been a valuable partner for each project; her deep and nuanced knowledge of these spaces has yielded cutting-edge and powerful trends that point the way for future innovation. Moreover, her knowledge of these trends and spaces has helped my company understand how they might evolve and what their impacts might be on the future of the industry and consumer demand. Our conversations are always engaging, collaborative, informative, and just plain fun. Not only is she fast and efficient in turning around work, she is also diligent, thorough, and responsive in her research and consulting.
Over the past four-or-so years, I have worked with Raphaëlle on a variety of projects focused on identifying emerging and future global and regional health and wellness and nutrition trends in food, beverages, and supplements. Raphaëlle has been a valuable partner for each project; her deep and nuanced knowledge of these spaces has yielded cutting-edge and powerful trends that point the way for future innovation. Moreover, her knowledge of these trends and spaces has helped my company understand how they might evolve and what their impacts might be on the future of the industry and consumer demand. Our conversations are always engaging, collaborative, informative, and just plain fun. Not only is she fast and efficient in turning around work, she is also diligent, thorough, and responsive in her research and consulting.
STAS SHECTMAN | SENIOR DIRECTOR, STRATEGIC INSIGHTS AT THE HARTMAN GROUP
I had the pleasure of working with Raphaelle as part of an innovation ideation workshop. Her professionalism and expertise truly stood out. She quickly grasped the challenges of a complex topic and offered us valuable insights and actionable recommendations. Her energy in engaging with stakeholders fostered strong collaboration, ensuring alignment across all parties. She also went beyond the project’s scope, providing ongoing support after the delivery to different stakeholders. I highly recommend her for both her professionalism and passion for the nutrition and food industry.
I had the pleasure of working with Raphaelle as part of an innovation ideation workshop. Her professionalism and expertise truly stood out. She quickly grasped the challenges of a complex topic and offered us valuable insights and actionable recommendations. Her energy in engaging with stakeholders fostered strong collaboration, ensuring alignment across all parties. She also went beyond the project’s scope, providing ongoing support after the delivery to different stakeholders. I highly recommend her for both her professionalism and passion for the nutrition and food industry.
DESPINA IOANNIDES | SENIOR INNOVATION DIRECTOR EARLY LIFE NUTRITION DSM FIRMTECH
Looking for an industry expert?
O’Connor to discuss your challenges and how we can help
with a tailored solution.
Book a free 15-minute consultation with Dr Raphaëlle O’Connor to discuss your challenges and how we can help with a tailored solution.
Book a free 15-minute consultation with Dr Raphaëlle O’Connor to discuss your challenges and how we can help with a tailored solution.
Packages & Pricing
Our fractional engagement options give you what you need, when you need it.
1:1 consultations
€250
A dedicated 60-minute consultation for insights into a focused topic.
Day rates
€950
A full day consultation to comprehensively address an issue or provide expert advice.
Retainers
Starting from €115 per hour
Time bundles to support operational, tactical or strategic initiatives.
Long-term projects
Custom
We work with you to create a personalised consultation package to support an extended project.