BATTLE CREEK, MICH. — JPG Resources and the Center for Culinary Development, Inc., known as CCD Innovation, are combining to offer a comprehensive suite of innovation, product development and commercialization services for the packaged food and beverage industry.

The partnership leverages complementary strengths and an expanded network of experts to support consumer packaged goods manufacturers of all sizes.

CCD Innovation, based in San Francisco, was founded in 1993 by Marc Halperin and Kimberly Egan to provide culinary development and commercialization expertise, tapping into the insights and creativity of its proprietary Chefs Council, comprised of more than 100 chefs and food and beverage professionals.

“After founding CCDI, I’m excited to be joining forces with JPG, a partner widely known for bringing innovative new products to in-market success,” said Halperin, chief culinary officer of CCDI. “CCDI plus JPG gives us the ability to envision the finish line from the start, and expands our ability to deliver value to clients at every stage of the innovation journey.”  

JPG Resources, based in Battle Creek, Mich., was founded in 2009 by Jeff Grogg and has expanded to more than 70 industry experts specializing in the development and commercialization of new products. The company also offers operations and merger and acquisition services and ongoing support to food businesses ranging from early-stage startups to national brands.

“CCDI is one of the best known and most highly respected innovation groups in the food industry, having built a stellar reputation for culinary-inspired innovation for 30 years,” said Grogg, managing director of JPG Resources. “We can’t wait to combine the CCDI Chefs Council and their methods of creating culinary inspiration with JPG’s technical and commercial expertise to bring innovation to life.”

As part of the partnership, D'Anne Hayman is joining the CCD Innovation team as key partnerships lead. Her career spans nearly three decades at Kellogg Co., most recently as global vice president of innovation and nutrition.

“I’m thrilled to be joining CCDI, an organization where I’ve been a very satisfied client, and helping to further build the bridge between front-end innovation and excellence in execution,” Hayman said. “This combination unlocks the path to bring truly chef-inspired products to the market in a very efficient and aligned manner.”