Nearly three years ago, VinoTastr (vinotastr.com), a company headquartered in Baton Rouge, contacted RSP, Inc., for assistance taking its concept to market. The company had already created the components for a unique product called the VinoTastr Discovery Kit, which combines taste technology with scientific innovation. The discovery kit includes four test strips that are used to analyze a consumer’s palate, helping a wine-curious taster uncover sensitivities to different wine characteristics. With a QR code to access the VinoTastr app, the user can find out which taste profile fits their preferences. The kit empowers consumers to choose wines confidently and provides retailers the opportunity to better understand and cater to their customers’ preferences.
With a product that would appeal to future wine connoisseurs and retailers, VinoTastr knew it had a winning concept, but needed a manufacturing partner to help execute their vision. The goal? An easy-to-use, high-quality package that would fit VinoTastr’s values and sustainability goals.
Why VinoTastr Chose RSP, Inc.
As VinoTastr searched for a manufacturing partner, RSP was strongly recommended by others in the wine industry and by VinoTastr’s regulatory attorney. They suggested reaching out to Mike Ryan and the team at RSP to explore sourcing crucial materialsfor the kit. David Watts, VinoTastr’s chief operating officer, says that “as conversations evolved, it became evident that RSP’s manufacturing, assembly and fulfillment capabilities were a perfect match for bringing our VinoTastr Discovery Kit to life.”
Refined at Every Step: RSP’s Engineering and Prototyping Services
Initially, VinoTastr had only a sketch. But the engineering team at RSP partnered with VinoTastr to create a prototype, and together, they brought the discovery kit to life. Since then, Watts says, they have “navigated multiple iterations, each refined with the expertise of RSP’s team. Their guidance allowed us to develop a product that is user-friendly, cost-effective, and of the highest quality.”
Experts in Sustainable Packaging
Through RSP’s prototyping services, VinoTastr was able to experiment with different types of materials for the kit’s pouches, trays and seal components, all essential to ensuring the reliability of the test strips. Ultimately, VinoTastr chose 70% recycled ocean-bound plastic for the internal parts. Watts says, “The commitment of RSP to eco-friendly alternatives aligns perfectly with our values. Additionally, their innovation in developing a new heat seal process was crucial to the success of our latest product version. The patience and dedication shown by Mike, Jason and the entire team during this iterative process were truly remarkable.”
Manufacturing Success with RSP
During the two and a half years VinoTastr has worked with RSP as a manufacturing partner, VinoTastr has ensured success by offering excellent customer service. Watts credits RSP’s team with playing “an integral role in establishing the assembly process, providing invaluable support and answers to our numerous questions throughout each assembly cycle.” Watts says, “Our journey with RSP has been marked by exceptional interactions with team members such as Scott and Yomma, who handle our shipping and fulfillment queries with precision. Jodie and Julianna have been a great help with invoicing. Every interaction with RSP has been first-rate from day one.”
A Sweet Finish
From start to finish, VinoTastr was pleased with the process of working with RSP on the discovery kit. “From the outset, we recognized that RSP’s professionalism, attention to detail and timely execution would significantly benefit our product and customers. We would not hesitate to recommend RSP to any friend or client in need of a reliable development and manufacturing partner,” says Watts. “VinoTastr’s partnership with RSP, Inc. has been instrumental in our journey from concept to market. Their expertise and dedication have allowed us to provide a unique and valuable product to wine enthusiasts everywhere. Thank you, RSP, for being a key part of our story!”
Ready to take your own industry-changing, innovative product to market? Contact RSP today to get started on bringing your dream to fruition.
