R&D REPORT

General Mills, Minneapolis, says its General Mills Worldwide Innovation Network (G-WIN) innovation portal -- online at GeneralMills.com/Win -- is more robust, thanks to a software upgrade. Officials say the new G-WIN innovation portal provides visitors with details on nearly 50 technical challenges that the company is looking to solve. Those who join the G-WIN community by registering online will receive ongoing updates about specific technical challenges that match their unique abilities and expertise.

“We are absolutely committed to changing the way we invent through connected innovation,” said Peter Erickson, senior vice president of Innovation, Technology and Quality at General Mills. “Connected innovation is very much a part of our culture. The new innovation portal, powered by inno360’s software, provides us with a wonderful tool to make the process more efficient.”

Since the launch of G-WIN, more than 40 new General Mills products have incorporated a significant portion of external innovation, including Fiber One Bars, Pillsbury® Savorings, Progresso® Light soups, Yoplait® Smoothie, and Wanchai Ferry frozen dinner kits.



Packaged meats processorLand O'Frost Inc., Lansing, Ill., said it hiredKaren Malsomas director of innovation, a new post. Malsom previously worked at  National Restaurant Association Solutions, where she managed marketing for the unit's ServSafe brand. She now will oversee Land O'Frost retail product development.