14 - Ideal profiling as a sensory profiling technique

Abstract

The Ideal Profile Method (IPM) is a descriptive analysis in which consumers are asked to rate products on both their perceived and ideal intensities against a list of attributes. In addition, overall liking is rated. The information gathered from the IPM is rich, and directly actionable for product development. However, these data need special attention, since they are provided by consumers who are rating a fictive product. In order to fully appreciate the data, the Ideal Profile Analysis (IPA) has been set up. This methodology helps in (1) evaluating the consistency of the ideal data, (2) assessing homogeneous groups of consumers/products, (3) defining the sensory profile of the ideal product of reference, and (4) optimizing the products according to that reference.