An analysis of factors influencing the development of new products in the Thai food industry

The paper examines the role played by various factors in the development of new products in the Thai food industry. Data collected from a sample survey covering 62 firms in the four main subsectors of the Thai food industry are examined using both multiple regression and pair comparison analyses. From the regression analysis based on six selected independent variables (firm-size, age, ownership, market orientation, promotional status and product type), only firm-size was found to be a statistically significant determinant of technological capability for the development of new products. However, the pair-comparison analysis shows that various other factors can also be influential. These include senior management values, policy and strategy, management and administration, the system of rewards and promotion, information flows and links, and R&D activities.