Abstract
The present study shows the usefulness of a multivariate technique -correspondence analysis-- for simultaneously representing continuous and categorical variables in graphical form. A comparison was made of the results of sensory tests of beef quality performed by a trained panel and by consumers. The latter included the collection of data to produce consumers profiles and the recording of a number of consumers habits. Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated independently for the variables measured in both the panel and consumer tests. Two correspondence analyses were then performed: the first one involving the consumer profiles and the values of the variables measured in the consumer test, the second one to determine the relationships between the panel and consumer test scores. In the plot corresponding to the first analysis, the two axes accounted for 52.2% of the inertia and showed that age did not have an important effect on any measured variable. Consumers previous experience has been shown to be an important factor defining consumer liking of the product. In the plot for the second analysis the two axes accounted for 82.3% of the inertia and showed that there was no correspondence between overall consumer liking of the product and any of the panel variables. These results therefore suggest that the panel test is not a good predictor of consumer behaviour.
Highlights
The fulfilment of consumer needs is the main concern of the food industry
The aim of the present paper was to introduce correspondence analysis as a tool for relating the results provided by a panel of trained testers and consumers, in this case with respect to the analysis of beef quality
All consumers variables were closely and positively correlated, which implies that consumer liking is a holistic phenomenon
Summary
The fulfilment of consumer needs is the main concern of the food industry. Sensory studies performed by both trained panellists and consumers play an important role in attaining this goal. Trained panel are required to detect small differences in food properties with accuracy and consistency, whereas the goal in consumer tests is to obtain information on consumer characteristics, attitudes and preferences. Consumer tests are classified according to the place where they are held. Laboratory and central-location tests are somewhat artificial, they allow test conditions to be strictly controlled. Home tests are less controlled and the results more variable (Bower, 1995), but they are more realistic, the results reflecting better the consumer perceptions under real conditions (Rozin and Tourila, 1993; Miller, 2003)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
