Sensory Evaluation:
measuring consumer product acceptance

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Hedonic Sensory Analysis

This test describes the degree of consumer acceptance and satisfaction regarding product attributes. It shows:
- overall acceptance of a product and its competitors
- acceptance of each attribute
- the relative importance of each attribute
- the valuation of each attribute
- the weighted value of both
- comments
- purchase intent

Discriminating Sensory Analisis

Paired, triangular, multiple or ordered comparison, with competing products for evaluating the influence of:
- raw materials,
- manufacturing processes
- finished product packaging.
A product may be directly compared with its major competitor or with competing products generally.

Descriptive Sensory Analisis

This evaluates the sensory attributes (non hedonic) and describes the product’s sensory profile or character, allowing a manufacturer to:

- establish the sensory specifications of a product
- optimise product in development.

Both this test and the previous one contribute to product (and competing products) quality control during a product’s life cycle.

Ideal Product Sensory Analisis

A detailed piece of research, the Ideal Product test identifies the ideal sensorial characteristics of a product and compares them with those of the brand in research and its competitors.

Preference Map

This technique explains why consumers like, or dislike, a product despite the fact that untrained consumers are incapable of giving their reasons in precise sensory terms.
A team of trained sensory experts describe the nature and intensity of the sensory characteristics of a product type, without adding any hedonic values. Untrained consumers then simply express their preferences.
The consumers judge and the experts describe. A statistical analysis combines both types of data to accurately explain the reasons underlying the expressed preferences.

Specially trained experts carry out descriptive and discriminating sensory research.

Packaging Test

Packaging tests to determine:
- attractiveness
- clarity of instructions
- suitability and durability
- ease of use
- means of opening, closing and storing