What is the first step in developing a new sandwich recipe regarding ingredient proportions?

Conducting market research is a crucial first step in developing a new sandwich recipe regarding ingredient proportions because it helps to understand consumer preferences, market trends, and potential gaps that the new sandwich could fill. This stage involves gathering data about what customers enjoy, dietary restrictions, popular flavor combinations, and competitive offerings. By understanding the market landscape, a developer can identify which ingredients are likely to appeal to the target customer, thus informing decisions about proportions and combinations.

In comparison, testing different ingredient combinations might come later in the process, once there's a clear understanding of what the market desires. Evaluating customer feedback is also a later step, as it's used to refine the recipe after initial development. Selecting random ingredients lacks a foundational basis and could lead to unappealing or impractical results, which doesn't align with a strategy aimed at success in the market.