Sensory Analysis and Training in Sensory Analysis for the Agri-Food Industry

The main aim of sensory analysis is to meet consumer expectations for food products with the highest possible sensory quality. To understand the complex process through which consumers accept or reject a particular food product, their preferences and expectations must be translated into tangible, clearly defined properties by combining qualitative and quantitative sensory methods. Sensory analysis evaluates these properties using information provided by consumers themselves and expert assessors. Through its SensoFood Solutions brand, the research group has a tasting panel with more than 600 hours of training. The panel has worked on research projects and provided services to companies investigating sensory quality incidents. The group also has experience studying volatile profiles in food using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, enabling more comprehensive investigations into such incidents. We have extensive experience conducting consumer studies to support food development and innovation. Our expertise in sensory analysis and the food industry is transferred to companies through training and consultancy activities. These services train company staff to establish their own sensory panels and include the selection and training of assessors. Periodic panel retraining is also provided.

• In sales and marketing, consumer testing provides the information needed to improve consumer acceptance of products.
• Training courses help employees in the food industry gain a better understanding of their products, potentially leading to improvements in products and processing methods, as well as the establishment of trained in-house sensory panels.
• Sensory evaluation of pet food is an emerging field. Since consumers make purchasing decisions based on several factors, the aim is to ensure that these decisions have a positive impact on the home environment. Sensory analysis can help improve product characteristics and overall quality.
• Investigation of sensory quality incidents between suppliers and food distributors.

A key aspect of this service is consumer testing, as companies in the agri-food industry often lack the information they need to make important decisions about the products they develop. As mentioned above, consumer testing of pet food is an emerging but highly relevant field, given the wide variety of products available and the diversity of consumers and their preferences. Combining sensory analysis by an expert panel with volatile profile analysis enables rigorous investigations into sensory quality incidents.

The group has extensive experience providing services related to sensory testing, training courses, equipment validation, sensory marketing and support for research groups.

• Agri-Food Industry (Food and Beverage Manufacturers).
• Food Distribution and Retail.
• Pet Food Industry.
• Food Quality Control and Certification Bodies.

Esther Sendra Nadal – University Institute for Research and Innovation in Agri-Food and Environmental Sciences