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The CORTIXIQ Matrix & Methodology

What is the CORTIXIQ Matrix?

The CORTIXIQ Product Intelligence Matrix is a visual framework that helps people understand how FMCG products perform in terms of Nutrition and Ingredient Clarity.

It transforms complex nutritional and ingredient data into a clear, science-based visual - where every product finds its place based on what's written on its public label.

The Matrix is not an opinion or review - it is a data-driven representation of how a product is formulated and presented to the consumer.

Purpose

Most FMCG products make strong claims - "high protein," "natural," "fortified," "low fat." CORTIXIQ's goal is to decode these claims using factual data so that consumers can see through marketing and companies can benchmark transparently.

Our Matrix provides:

  • A neutral, standardized view of how products compare on factual data.
  • A tool for consumers to understand product composition at a glance.
  • A framework for brands to identify strengths and improvement areas.

The Methodology

The CORTIXIQ methodology is built on three principles: Transparency, Consistency, and Data Accuracy.

1. Data Collection

All data used in the Matrix is publicly available and verified from:

  • Product packaging and nutrition labels
  • Brand websites and official e-commerce listings
  • FSSAI-registered information (when available)
  • Verified product images and regulatory filings

No internal company data or trade secrets are used - ensuring legal compliance and factual neutrality.

2. Data Fields Extracted

Each product is analyzed for measurable parameters available on its label:

CategoryExample Fields
Nutrition (per 100g)Protein, Sugar, Fiber, Energy, Vitamins, Minerals
IngredientsCount of ingredients, whole food content, additive count
Claims"Fortified with Iron", "No Added Sugar", "Natural Ingredients"
Consumer Presence (optional)Public review volume, ratings (normalized)

3. Scoring System

Each product receives two primary scores - Nutrition Density and Ingredient Clarity - both normalized to a 0–100 scale.

Nutrition Density (Y-Axis)

A measure of nutritional quality per 100g, based on label facts:

We have our own equation for this!

Meaning: Higher values = more nutrient-dense and balanced profile.

Ingredient Clarity (X-Axis)

A measure of ingredient transparency and natural composition:

Ingredient Clarity = 0.4(Whole Food Count) − 0.3(Additive Count) − 0.1(Total Ingredients) + 0.1(Fortification Claims)

Meaning: Higher values = simpler, clearer ingredient list with fewer artificial additives.

Bubble Size (Data Point Size)

Each bubble represents one product.

Bubble size = normalized review volume (based on verified public data).

This gives a sense of how widely discussed or used a product is - not as a ranking, but as a measure of visibility.

4. Quadrant Framework

Each product falls into one of four consumer-friendly zones:

QuadrantMeaning
Smart ChoiceHigh nutrition + clean ingredients - balanced and reliable.
Power PackedHigh nutrition + complex composition - functional or fortified.
Natural PickSimple, natural ingredients + moderate nutrition - clean label.
Everyday MixBasic balance for daily use - affordable and accessible.

These labels are neutral and descriptive, not comparative or promotional.

5. Data Normalization

All metrics are scaled using min–max normalization to bring values into a 0–100 range:

Xnormalized = ((X − Xmin) / (Xmax − Xmin)) × 100

This ensures fair comparison regardless of unit differences across products.

6. Review & Validation Process

Before publication:

  • Data is manually verified by research analysts.
  • Ingredient and nutritional counts are cross-checked with at least two public sources.
  • Any corrections from brands (if supported with evidence) are reviewed and updated transparently.

7. Visualization Process

  • Data is processed into a structured dataset.
  • Scores are mapped onto the CORTIXIQ Product Intelligence Map using a scatter/bubble chart model.
  • Quadrant placement occurs automatically based on the X (Ingredient Clarity) and Y (Nutrition Density) coordinates.
  • Labels and tooltips provide context for end users.

8. Compliance & Ethics

CORTIXIQ adheres to:

  • FSSAI Advertising & Claims Regulation (2018)
  • ASCI Code for Comparative Representation
  • Research Transparency Standards

All visualizations include disclaimers:

"This analysis is based on publicly available label data and is intended for educational and research reference only. It does not constitute medical or dietary advice."

9. Continuous Updates (Mostly Quarterly)

The Matrix is dynamic and evolves with:

  • Product reformulations
  • New launches
  • Market changes
  • Updated nutritional standards

Our team periodically reviews and refreshes the dataset to maintain accuracy and relevance.

Why This Matters

  • For consumers: helps make smarter, informed product choices.
  • For FMCG companies: provides unbiased visibility into category performance.
  • For analysts and investors: offers factual insight into product formulation trends.

CORTIXIQ aims to make data the new common language between brands and consumers.

"Because every label has a story - we just help you read it."

Our methodology ensures transparency and accuracy in product evaluation