Our Company

Natural Development brings innovation, collaboration and fresh thinking to product development for food and beverage clients big and small.

Inspired by the idea of turning food and beverage development into a partnership, our founder and president, Dan Heiges, started Natural Development in Boulder, Colorado in 2007. Dan saw a need in the industry to educate people more thoroughly on product development—and the broader process of bringing products to market—so they could make more informed decisions down the road.

Our team consists of food scientists and chefs with diverse backgrounds, allowing us to offer expertise for any category, segment, diet or process. We continually have great relationships with our clients because of our ability to deliver award-winning products, to provide honest input, and to act as a support network even after formulations are finished.

We've made many friends in the food and beverage industry over the years. Current and past clients regularly stop by the lab with a follow-up question or a quick hello. We're also a member of Naturally Boulder, a close-knit natural products community in Boulder where we regularly attend networking events. We're even currently working with a few fellow members on exciting projects!

We're a Certified B Corp!

In 2019, we celebrated becoming a B Corp. This endorsement reflects our vision for a world where business is designed, developed, and implemented for the greater good. This certification not only reflects our philosophy as a company, it's helped to elevate our own brand in building credibility, trust and authority within our industry.

We are thrilled to join the ranks of over 4,800 Certified B Corps around the globe, including many right here in Boulder. Click the picture or the link above to learn more about how B Corps are tested to meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency so that one day everyone uses business as a force for good.

Our Team

Dan Heiges

FOUNDER & PRESIDENT

Dan has been in the natural and organic food industry for over 25 years and has expertise in product development, operational efficiency, manufacturing quality, and process improvement. He has developed well over 3,000 products for a variety of companies, ranging from start-ups to multinational corporations including ALTAR Herbal Martini, Guiltless Gourmet, Frito-Lay, Kroger, Made In Nature, Oh Baby Foods, Rhythm Superfoods, Sprout Baby Food, Whole Foods and Wild Oats. While at Wild Oats, Dan was integral in increasing sales of their private label brand from $41 million to $115 million in 3 years by introducing or re-launching over 2,000 SKUs. One of Dan's favorite projects was helping celebrity chef Tyler Florence bring his concept of organic gourmet baby food to market. In just 3 years, Dan helped Sprout Foods grow from just a few handwritten recipes to a $30 million company.

Connor Link

RESEARCH CHEF

Connor has extensive experience in the food industry from Executive Chef at Leaf Vegetarian Restaurant and Kitchen Manager at Avery Brewing Company, to Editor for New Hope Natural Media. He brings a deep understanding of the culinary and food science world along with a fascination of learning new and exciting ways to innovate products for our clients. His specialties include vegetarian, vegan, allergen-free and fermented foods.

Anna Cutler

FOOD SCIENTIST

Anna has a degree in Food Science as well as HACCP and PCQI certifications. Following graduation she worked in Sonoma County, California for TWOMEY, a high end brand specializing in Pinot Noir production. She then went on to work in Boise, ID at a non-profit aiming to reduce food waste and food insecurity within the city. She loves tinkering with recipes, developing innovative products, and working on ways to help minimize the impact of the food system on the planet.

ANDREW EPPLER

RESEARCH CHEF

Andrew has over a decade of experience in the foodservice industry as both a chef and educator. This includes his role as Head Chef at The Food Lab culinary school, Sous Chef at Avery Brewing Company, plus experience in fine dining and casual establishments. He brings passion, expertise in food production, and a superior ability to meaningfully refine client products for market readiness. When not working, Andrew likes to spend time with his dog and work on his Grand Unified Sandwich Theory.

stephanie brown

STRATEGY & CLIENT EXPERIENCE LEAD

Stephanie has over a decade of experience in diverse roles within the natural CPG industry, specifically in food & beverage. Her skills include business development, project and relationship management, social media strategy, and brand storytelling to name a few. She has worked for small local startups from pre-launch, all the way to lasting global brands like SodaStream. Upon certifying Natural Development as a B-Corp in 2019, she has become more concerned with social and environmental impact and continues that work within the Austin community where she now resides. Although remote, Stephanie assists in several areas including strategic growth, project management, and client experience.