The Food Chains (FCCA) project aims to provide a practical insight into the needs of consumers and demonstrate how to interpret these findings to foster innovation in a range of SMEs in branding and new product development (NPD) in the cross border area to increase competitiveness FCCA will address managment weaknesses previously identified in the Channel Clusters project. FCCA will:• Assist 250 SMEs to address key market opportunities through innovation in new product development (NPD) and branding in the food chain which comprises micro/SME producers, distributors, retailers and consumers• Conduct research into consumer trends to provide insights• Carry out research into the barriers to innovation in NPD and branding in a sample of SMEs The project partners are working with the relevant state agencies in Ireland and Wales to achieve the aims and objectives of FCCA. Activities will include:• Research into consumer insight• One to one tailored mentoring support• Overseas trade exhibition and retail tours• Workshops• Sharing activities in research/promotion to develop new products and management processes Project Impacts• 250 SMEs will be assisted• 50 new products/management processes developed• 250 jobs will be safeguarded in 50 SMEs