Turkish Market Research Articles

An Overview of Social Marketing in Türkiye

Background of the Country The Republic of Türkiye, is a transcontinental country located in East Thrace in south-eastern Europe and on the peninsula of Anatolia in southwestern Asia. With the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, which was an immense power in Eurasia and Africa from southeast Europe to western Asia and North Africa, and the proclamation of the Republic in 1923, the Turkish people gained the right to self-government for the first time in centuries. With an amendment to the Constitution of the Republic, Türkiye became governed by a new system in which the president has executive powers. Türkiye ranked 48th out of 191 countries in the 2022 Human Development Index. Primary social Problems in the Country Unemployment has been a major socio-economic problem in Türkiye. Other important social issues include the integration of irregular migrants into social life, education inequality, violence against women, and forest fires. Use of Social Marketing Although they have not been found to be sufficient to solve the fundamental social problems there are projects that have been carried out in Türkiye for many years. These projects are corporate social responsibility initiatives that focus on market research to solve a fundamental social problem, in a select target market in a bid to change behavior through effective communication. Academic Stakeholders and Activities The few social marketing projects carried out in Türkiye have been funded by marketing academics and have focused primarily on the development of environmentally friendly behaviors. Social marketing courses are included in the curricula of a small number of universities in Türkiye. It can be stated that the concept of social marketing in Türkiye is not clearly understood by practitioners. However, efforts to develop behavior change for the benefit of society seem to have started with charity and evolved into corporate social responsibility projects. Discussion and Conclusions Despite not being deemed sufficient to solve the fundamental social problems, there are projects that have been ongoing in Türkiye for many years. These projects are corporate social responsibility initiatives aimed at addressing crucial social issues. Social marketing has been used in Türkiye for four decades but still has not achieved its full potential. Because social marketing is a concept similar to the understanding of the philanthropy that existed in Turkish culture many centuries ago, it can easily be adapted to the Turkish market. It is recommended that the government of Türkiye use social marketing to promote behavioral practices that benefit society.

Infant and Toddler Health Risks Associated with Pesticide Residue Exposure Through Fruit- and Vegetable-Based Baby Food

This research specifically delves into the potential health risks associated with pesticide residues in fruit- and vegetable-based foods for Turkish infants and toddlers.A total of 36 baby food samples were analyzed using a validated method covering 355 pesticide residues, employing liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LCMS/ MS) and gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). Notably, 72.2% of the samples revealed no pesticide residues, while 10 samples exceeded the Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) stipulated by the EU Directives. Specifically,pyriproxyfen had the greatest average concentration in pear fruits (0.573mg/kg). Notably, both pyrimethanil and pyriproxyfen were the most frequently detected analytes in all positive samples. The study further simulated a population, considering age-specific energy requirements for infants and toddlers. Pyriproxyfen demonstrated the highest average exposure (1.58±2.20μg/kg bw/day) across all age groups. Notably, for 6-month-old infants, the toxicological contribution as a percentage of the ADI for pesticides remained below 14.73%. It emphasizes the necessity for regulatory measures to ensure the safety of foods intended for infants and toddlers in the Turkish market. These findings support ongoing efforts to uphold pesticide levels within acceptable safety limits.

Understanding the influence of wine labeling attributes on consumer’s buying decision: a study in Turkey

PurposeThe aim of this study is to investigate, in the Turkish market, the elements on the front and back labels of wine bottles depicting the characteristics of the wines and their impact on the purchasing decisions of wine consumers in Turkey.Design/methodology/approachThe questionnaire consisted of 24 items that used a five-point Likert scale. Data were collected through a self-administered online survey completed by 340 participants. Following exploratory factor analysis with principal component analysis and varimax rotation, the number of factors was reduced to six: front and back-label consumer experiences, front label design elements, intrinsic cue information, back-label contents, storage/flavor profile and health warnings. The final section of the questionnaire presented five digitally designed front and back labels and asked participants to indicate their preferences.FindingsThe results indicated that reading/checking the front and back labels on wine bottles was more important than all other factors. Turkish consumers generally prefer traditional front label designs, while female consumers are more open to contemporary designs compared to male consumers. Back-label designs with more information are generally more acceptable, although female consumers with good wine knowledge may not consider food pairing, storage, or service information.Research limitations/implicationsThis research was designed only based on the elements of the front and back labels. The research should expand to include packaging characteristics such as bottle shape, bottle closure, price, and situational use.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study offer valuable insights for Turkish wine producers aiming to enhance their marketing strategies by customizing their wine label designs to better align with the market.Originality/valueThis study is the preliminary study to investigate Turkish consumers purchasing decisions based on the front- and back-label characteristics by using both verbal and visual elements.

Protective properties of spectacle lenses used as ultraviolet blockers

In this study, we evaluated the UV transmittance of spectacle lenses in the Turkish market, which are reported to have UV blocking properties, and tested their suitability. Samples were obtained from patients who were admitted to the ophthalmology outpatient clinic of our hospital for refractive error and who wore glasses as UV block. No limitation was made regarding the spectacle size and duration of spectacle wear. Measurements were tested by the principal investigator using an ultraviolet detector. The right and left lens were measured separately. All measurements were performed at room temperature (22-25°C) in a humidity regulated (20-40%) room without direct light. UV protection level was measured for 120 spectacles used for refractive errors. Only 28 (23.3%) of 120 glasses had protection level up to 400 nm UV. Twenty-four (20%) of the glasses had a protection level of 0 even though they were labeled as having UV blocking properties. It is clear that strict regulations need to be implemented to improve the protection levels of glasses.

Interlocking directorships and firm performance: the role of board diversity

PurposeThis study aims to examine the impact of interlocking directorships on firm performance in Turkey, with a specific focus on the moderating role of board diversity.Design/methodology/approachUsing a panel dataset comprising the top 100 firms listed on Borsa Istanbul from 2014 to 2018, this study employs regression analysis to investigate the relationship between interlocking directorships, board diversity, and firm performance. It firm-level financial data and directorship information to assess the effects of interlocking directorships on firm performance while also considering the moderating influence of board diversity.FindingsThe findings of this study reveal several important insights. First, the results confirm the “busyness hypothesis” as an increase in the number of interlocks per director negatively impacts firm performance, indicating reduced monitoring effectiveness. However, the study also demonstrates that board diversity plays a significant moderating role. Specifically, board diversity positively influences the relationship between interlocking directorships and firm performance, suggesting that a diverse board can mitigate the negative effects of interlocks and enhance overall firm performance.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the existing literature in several ways. First, this study extends our understanding of the relationship between interlocking directorships and firm performance, considering contingency factors in the Turkish market. Second, our findings imply that board diversity mitigates the negative impact of busy interlocking directorates and improves firm performance, which provides invaluable directions to firms in setting their boards. Moreover, this research enhances corporate governance practices in Turkey and beyond in other emerging markets with similar corporate governance mechanisms by identifying the importance of board diversity and its moderating influence.

How does excess cash affect corporate financial performance?

PurposeThis article analyzes the moderating role of investment opportunities, business risk and agency costs in shaping the nexus between excess cash and corporate performance.Design/methodology/approachThis research uses dynamic regression models (two-step system generalized method of moments) to analyze the data related to 200 Turkish companies listed on Borsa Istanbul (BIST) for the years between 2009 and 2020.FindingsThe findings indicate that when excess cash increases, the financial performance deteriorates only for firms with lower investments compared to firms with more investments. In addition, investment contributes to better financial performance for firms that hold cash surplus, whereas the influence of investment is insignificant for firms that have insufficient cash. Agency costs of equity exacerbate the adverse impact of excess cash on financial performance while agency costs of debt mitigate this effect. Excess cash reduces the financial performance of highly leveraged firms. However, this impact becomes insignificant when debt ratio decreases. The findings also show that investment has more significant role than business risk in building the precautionary motive to hold cash.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of this article are limited to the Turkish market. Future research is still needed in other emerging markets to compare the results and reveal more about the effect of excess cash on firm performance, and how other factors can change this effect.Practical implicationsThe findings verify the increased significance of excess cash in the presence of investment opportunities and difficulties in accessing external funds. Nevertheless, the role of the equity related agency problem in reducing the benefits of cash surplus confirms the necessity of policies that support corporate governance, especially in emerging markets.Originality/valueThis article, according to the knowledge of author, is the first to examine the role of agency costs associated with debt and equity, and the compound effect of investment opportunities and business risk on the nexus between excess internal funds and corporate financial performance in emerging markets.

Assessing the antioxidant potential of soft beverages in the Turkish market: a comprehensive study

ABSTRACT Soft beverages are an important part of fluid intake; however, it should be the main target to choose the right beverages according to healthy nutrition. This study aimed to determine, evaluate, and create a database of the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) contents of widely consumed soft beverages in local markets in Turkey. A total of 394 beverages, including 60 carbonated, 100 non-carbonated, 136 tea (teabags for cups and teapots and, shredded tea leaves), 75 coffee (instant and brewed), and 23 fermented beverages, with expiration dates at most half their shelf life, were analyzed. Shredded tea leaves and brewed coffees were prepared with different brewing techniques. TAC was analyzed on the MINDRAY-BS400 device using commercial kit ABTS (2,2’-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) and results are presented as mmol Trolox Equivalent(TE)/L. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 26. The mean TAC of all beverages was 3.7 ± 1.4 mmolTE/L (.120–5.535 mmolTE/L), with the highest content of tea and coffee (4.3 ± .6 mmol TE/L) and the lowest carbonated beverages (1.4 ± 1.5 mmolTE/L) (p < .05). The overall results showed that all soft beverages have antioxidant activity; however, the right choice of soft beverages might contribute to the dietary TAC and increase fluid intake.

Enhancing e-commerce competitiveness: A comprehensive analysis of customer experiences and strategies in the Turkish market

The study provides a comprehensive innovation analysis of the e-commerce strategies implemented by leading online retailers, focusing specifically on the Turkish market. The main goal of this research is to explore the effectiveness of various types of innovation adopted by major e-commerce platforms in Turkey, with particular emphasis on well-established brand names such as Amazon (Nasdaq: AMZN), Trendyol (Alibaba), and Hepsiburada (Nasdaq: Heps). To achieve this, the study uses the “ten types of innovation” framework to dissect the different facets of innovation in the e-commerce domain. Based on the research, we show the reasons behind Amazon's failure to establish a strong foothold in the Turkish market upon its entrance. The research seeks to identify potential innovative opportunities that can aid in the adoption of blue ocean strategies.

A Comparison of Home Purchase and Liquid Lazy Portfolio Returns in Turkey

This study presents a comprehensive comparison between the effectiveness of home purchase and liquid Lazy portfolio strategies for generating historical returns in the Turkish market. The primary aim is to develop a liquid Lazy portfolio that outperforms residential property investments. The study covers the period from January 2010 to June 2023, focusing on high-liquidity assets including the Borsa Istanbul 100 Index, currency exchange rates, gold prices, real estate investment trusts, and major stock market indices. Methodologically, the research involves data pre-processing, logarithmic transformations, and cumulative time series creation. Portfolio optimization centers around maximizing the Sharpe ratio with three test portfolios developed. Findings indicate that all portfolios consistently outperform the benchmark Residential Property Price Index, displaying higher returns and Sharpe ratios despite increased volatility. These insights are relevant for both academic researchers and investors seeking practical applications for portfolio management. It's important to note that historical performance offers insights but not future guarantees. In conclusion, the study highlights the potential benefits of constructing scalable, liquid, and high-return Lazy portfolios as alternatives to traditional home purchases

Evaluation of energy and nutrient content of fruit juices and similar beverages in Türkiye and their investigation in terms of sustainability

This study aims to evaluate the contents of fruit juices and similar beverages in the Turkish market and to examine them in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. Within the scope of the study, the researchers examined the label information of 187 fruit juices and similar beverages from 26 different brands in four different product types. It was determined that all fruit nectars (100%) and almost all fruit and flavored beverages contain added sugar (92.8% for fruit beverages and 70.0% for flavored beverages). It was further detected that 17.5% of fruit nectars and 20.3% of fruit beverages contain sweeteners. Moreover, more than 100% of the daily sodium requirement is met by consuming 100 ml of fruit juice, nectar, or beverages. It was determined that orange and apple juices, apricot, peach, and cherry fruit nectars, and peach, sour cherry, and orange fruit beverages contain more sugar than freshly squeezed fruit juices (p&amp;lt;0.05). The high-fructose syrup manufacturing industry produces large volumes of waste liquid containing various waste carbohydrates, which has a significant environmental impact. Greenhouse gas emission sources are also released to the environment in sugar production processes. On the other hand, it was determined that most of the products examined were packaged in Tetra Pak® packaging. More sustainable product supply chains are those that optimize the use of materials, water, and energy throughout their lifecycle while minimizing waste from products and used packaging. In light of the data obtained from this study, it would be useful for the fruit juice industry to make regulations to ensure sustainable production and consumption patterns in order to ensure a healthy and quality life at all ages.

Microbiological Quality of Some Artisanal Italian Cheeses Retailed in the Turkish Market

Three types of imported Italian cheeses (mozzarella, Parmigiano, and robiola) were evaluated for microbiological qualities in this study with the methods offered by ISO. The existence of S. aureus, L. monocytogenes, Coliform bacteria, E. coli, C. perfringens, Salmonella, Yeast, Mold, and Staphylococcal enterotoxins was investigated in 120 (40 each) samples. L. monocytogenes and Salmonella were not detected. The VIDAS SET2 technique searched Staphylococcal enterotoxins, and no toxin was spotted. The count of S. aureus, Coliform bacteria, E. coli, C. perfringens, Yeast, and Mold was found under the toleration limits in all 120 samples (P

A fuzzy model for financial performance measurement of real estate investment trusts: comparison of investment areas

PurposeThis study aims to present the financial performance of companies and investment areas in the real estate investment trust (REIT) industry.Design/methodology/approachA fuzzy model for financial performance measurement (FM-FPM) was proposed through the collaboration of fuzzy axiomatic design (FAD) and fuzzy entropy weighting (FEW). For the data, financial ratios were used, and their importance and functional requirements were collected via a questionnaire survey.FindingsThe FM-FPM is a beneficial model to be used for a REIT industry based on the structured procedures of FAD and FEW techniques. It can be suitable to regularly evaluate the performance of REITs and their investment areas in financial means, especially in today’s turbulent business environment. The Turkish market that was considered to show the practical applicability of the FM-FPM demonstrated specifically that diversified real estate was found to rank first, followed by mixed-buildings, warehouses, shopping malls and hotels, respectively.Research limitations/implicationsThe FM-FPM can be employed for REIT industries in other countries and adapted to different industries. However, more respondents or a different set of criteria might lead to different outputs.Practical implicationsThe FM-FPM may guide REIT managers and investors while making their decisions and controlling the performance of REITs and investment areas.Social implicationsThe FM-FPM may encourage low- and middle-income investors to make good use of their savings.Originality/valueThe research is first (1) to offer a FPM model in order to determine investable areas in a REIT industry and (2) to employ multiple criteria decision-making tools in order to measure the financial performance of individual companies and investment areas in a REIT industry.

Influence of Ukraine invasion by Russia on Turkish markets

This paper aims to examine the influence of the Ukraine invasion by Russia on Turkish markets, namely the Istanbul stock market index, Turkish real estate market index, Turkish gold market and Turkish foreign exchange market. This study used daily frequency data between February 24 and June 14, 2022. The variables used are BIST100, Turkey real estate index (XGMYO), Turkish gold commodity (XAU/TRY), Turkish foreign currency such as EURO/TRY, GBP/TRY, USD/TRY, TRY/UAH, TRY/RUB, and macro-economic variable RFR/TRY. The study employed Johansen cointegration, Impulse Response Functions and Markov-regime switching for the analysis. The findings established a long-run co-integration relationship among the Turkish markets. The finding also indicated that the shock from the Ukraine invasion by Russia has a positive effect on developed foreign currencies and a negative effect on currencies from emerging countries such as Turkey. The finding revealed that BIST100, XGMYO, and XAU/TRY shifted to regime 2 during the Ukraine invasion by Russia. The lack of need for more commodities such as wheat, gas and oil from the Turkish market prevented focusing on them, which may attract global attention. Despite this, the significance of this finding remains relevant in Turkey. Therefore, future research may focus on other markets with sufficient trading data for wheat and gas in Russia or Ukraine and any other countries of their study. This study established that Ukraine's invasion by Russia has a worldwide impact on the global markets. The effect is felt globally as a consequence, has been experienced across different developed and emerging markets due to the large market share of Russia on essential commodities such as gas and oil. Turkish foreign exchange markets experienced more storms during the Ukraine invasion by Russia even more than it was during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Challenges faced by foreign companies in Turkey due to volatility of the local currency

Even though the working climate in Turkey is widely considered positive, many foreign enterprises have found success there. Local currency fluctuation is one of the key difficulties that foreign enterprises have noticed. This project focuses on currency mercurial in the context of Turkish foreign firms. Secondary means of collecting data have been employed in this project. Information has been gathered from the articles. It has been observed that currently, it is critical for the sustainability of international companies as the Turkish Lira is continuously fluctuating, and this was considered the most terrible time for the economy to return to the previous spirit. Certain factors have affected the Turkish economy, and this instability has brought challenges not only for the international company’s survival but also for the domestic companies. It has been concluded that it is affecting the financial performance of the companies and is empirically supported by past studies. It will make investing easier for anyone interested in the Turkish market. It also helps them foresee their profitability and estimate their risk. It is regarded as a crucial tool for decision-makers to determine the intended course of action in light of the impact of currency mercurial and to enable them to modify their policies in light of the present dynamics.

Comparative Analysis of Various Machine Learning and Deep Learning Approaches for Car Resale Price Prediction in the Turkish Market

With escalating environmental concerns worldwide, the shift towards second-hand car markets has emerged as an eco-friendly alternative to reduce the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing new vehicles. However, the lack of accurate and efficient price prediction mechanisms may impede the growth and efficiency of these markets. This study, focusing on the Turkish second-hand car market, contributes towards addressing this gap by introducing a unique, comprehensive dataset gathered from various online markets across Turkey, thereby offering a broad spectrum of data pertaining to different vehicle types, specifications, and resale conditions. The study employs both classical machine learning methods, specifically decision trees, and deep learning models to predict used car prices. This comparative analysis aims to assess the potential of these methods in improving the predictability and transparency of resale price determination. Despite the superior performance of decision tree models, the study found that deep learning techniques achieved comparable results, indicating their potential for further optimization and enhancement. The accurate prediction of resale prices could streamline the operations of second-hand car markets, increasing their appeal to potential buyers and sellers. This could, in turn, contribute to environmental sustainability by encouraging the usage of pre-owned vehicles, which can substantially reduce the demand for new cars and thereby lower the environmental impact associated with their production.

Tattoo inks: evaluation of cellular responses and analysis of some trace metals.

After tattoo application, inks remain in the skin, mostly in the dermal layer, and manufacturers use inks that have not been adequately evaluated for safety in tattoo production. In this study, the metal contents (Cd, Hg, Pb, and Cr) of tattoo inks available in the Turkish market were determined and the relationship between cell viability and inflammatory response of the detected metal levels was investigated.Nine tattoo inks (3 colors) from 3 different brands abbreviated as E, I, and W were examined. ICP-MS was used for element analysis. The viability of human keratinocyte cells was determined by the WST-1 assay following ink exposures at various dilutions. IL-18 levels were measured in cell culture supernatant by ELISA method following ink or metal (Cd, Cr, Hg, and Pb) exposures.The concentrations of trace elements were found in inks as follows: Cd, 0.0641-1.3857; Hg, 0.0204-0.2675; Pb, 0.8527-6.5981; Cr, 0.1731-45.3962 µg mL-1. It was observed that the levels of Pb and especially Cr in the samples exceeded the limit values. Tattoo inks reduced the cell viability in a dose- and color-dependent manner. IL-18 release was significantly increased in all groups except Cr and black ink of brand I treated cells (p < 0.05). Our results show that the metal contents of tattoo inks exceed Council of Europe Resolution values in some samples and some inks induce immune system activation (IL-18 secretion) and cytotoxic effects. It is thought that these findings may contribute to the toxic/adverse effects of tattoo inks commonly used.

Strawberry Protease as a Laundry Detergent Additive Candidate: Immobilization, Compatibility Study with Detergent Ingredients, and Washing Performance Test.

The potential of strawberry-derived protease as a component of laundry detergent is investigated. The compatibility of the enzyme with various surfactants, oxidizing agents, and commercial detergents is tested. The immobilized enzyme prepared by immobilizing Co2+ ions together with the enzyme is also tested. Strawberry crude protease shows high stability in the presence of surfactants frequently used in detergents. The enzyme is found to be relatively stable to oxidizing agents. In addition, it is determined that strawberry protease works in excellent compatibility with different commercial solid and liquid detergents in the Turkish market and also maintains its stability very well. Washing tests based on visual examination also reveal that the enzyme improves the washing performance of the tested detergent. All these properties and high activity at alkaline pH make this enzyme a very strong candidate for use in laundry detergent formulations.

Generation failures, strategic withholding, and capacity payments in the Turkish electricity market

Since the deregulation of significant parts of electricity markets in many countries worldwide, a generally pronounced matter is that firms strategically lower their generating capacity to raise electricity prices. This paper investigates whether strategic capacity withholding exists in the form of generation failures in the Turkish day-ahead market and whether the capacity remuneration mechanism contributes to the failure durations. The empirical results show strong support for strategic capacity withholding in the Turkish market, and the capacity mechanism adds to the duration of these failures. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate capacity withholding considering centrally determined capacity prices and to focus on failure durations and the potential amount of power generation losses they cause. Our analysis conveys core messages for policymakers. A random verification mechanism may be implemented to verify that the failures are purely technical and apply penalties for nonperformance. Second, the Turkish capacity mechanism needs to be restructured to make it more compatible with performance incentives. Our analysis, while focused on the Turkish market, provides insights into the prevalent challenges and potential solutions tied to strategic capacity withholding in deregulated electricity markets globally, notably those employing capacity remuneration mechanisms.

Content Analysis of Locally Marketed Energy Drinks: Turkish Market

In the Turkish Food Codex Communique on Energy Drinks, energy drinks are defined as "flavored non-alcoholic beverage containing caffeine, containing taurine, glucuronolactone, inositol, carbohydrates, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and other food and components". The amount of caffeine in the composition of the energy drink cannot be more than 150 mg/L, inositol 100 mg/L, glucuronolactone 20 mg/L, and taurine 800 mg/L. It has been reported that the consumption of beverages containing caffeine, taurine, and glucuronolactone in healthy young adults increases arterial blood pressure and platelet aggregation and decreases endothelial function. For healthy adults, consuming more than 400 mg of caffeine daily and consuming more than 500 ml of energy drinks in energy drinks, as well as consuming energy drinks with or together with alcohol, is risky and not recommended. Energy drinks are risky for children, people under the age of 18, the elderly, diabetics, those with high blood pressure, pregnant and lactating women, those with metabolic diseases, kidney failure, and people who are sensitive to caffeine. The use of energy drinks has been increasing rapidly in the world and in our country in recent years. Usually, energy drinks are used by young people, athletes, and people who live actively. Energy drinks are also preferred as a pleasure or to increase mental, physical, and cognitive performance.&#x0D; The aim of our study is to analyze the components of the content and the effectiveness of the components by making a qualitative analysis with the GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Analysis) device of many energy drinks used in the market. In addition, it is the evaluation of the energy drinks available in the market by examining the effects of the determined substances and their amounts on human health.

Determination of quality traits and possible adulteration of molasses using FT-IR spectroscopy: A study from Turkish market.

We aimed to develop portable Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy-based prediction algorithms for the key quality characteristics (soluble solids, water activity, pH, sucrose, glucose, fructose, fructose/glucose, hydroxymethylfurfural) of various types of molasses, establish their legitimacy, and create a model to separate them based on their botanical origin. Samples labeled as carob (n=27), grape (n=24), Juniper (n=13), and mulberry (n=12) were purchased from different local markets in Turkey. Labeling issues were revealed in five carob and seven grape molasses, and those samples classified as non-authentic by the FT-IR algorithms were corroborated by reference analysis. Partial least squares regression models generated to predict the key quality traits of Turkish molasses demonstrated excellent correlation with reference analysis (R2Val≥0.96) and low standard error of prediction (SEP≤2.88). The FT-IR sensor provided a feasible approach for molasses testing to assess its quality through manufacturing and storage, also provided a powerful tool to -ensure proper product labeling.