Sensory testing plays vital role in consumer acceptance
After opening its SRS Center for Taste Innovation at its Downers Grove campus in 2020, the Illinois company commenced building its Sensory Department, which today features a panel of 55 Flavorchem sensory specialists.
The 25,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility features a dedicated 4-booth sensory room for formal blind and controlled testing. The custom-designed sensory space is equipped with professional sensory software, tablets and a silent notification system. The room contains a Halo air purification system that eliminates outside aromas, allowing for high-quality sensory evaluations in a controlled environment.
“We know what it takes to make a product taste great,” said Samantha Filip, sensory scientist, Flavorchem.
“Our team of qualified panellists conduct sensory tests and flavour evaluations to ensure products exceed the highest taste standard.
“We have the expertise, experience and inhouse capabilities to take a brand’s vision from concept to completion by offering a range of testing services that meet their specific needs.”
The flavour house offers three testing capabilities:
- Discrimination testing, to evaluate the similarity and difference of two products;
- Consumer testing, which provides a snapshot into the minds of consumers by obtaining panel feedback on how they will perceive the product;
- Descriptive testing, in which a panel of trained judges assesses the flavour profile.
“Our newly developed sensory offerings were designed to optimise the product development process, deliver purpose-driven results, and help our customers launch ontrend products that consumers will love,” said Niki Hernandez, R&D manager and senior flavourist, Flavorchem.
“Additional services include specified panellist training, focus groups, data analysis, online research, and custom survey design to highlight key product attributes.”
