Optimization of product odours using Flash Profiling – Potentials and limitations

W. Dessel*(1) , R. Möslein (2), A. Scharf (1)

(1) Fachhochschule Nordhausen, Germany;

(2) ISI GmbH Goettingen, Germany

 wiebke.desselisi-goettingen.de

In the last years, Flash Profiling has been increasingly discussed in the literature as a new method of Descriptive Analysis. Until now, all studies regarding the application of the Flash Profiling have been solely carried out to describe the haptic or gustatory perception.

The actual basic research aimed to investigate the adaptability of the Flash Profiling to describe the olfactory perception. For many products, the odour constitutes the main benefit for the consumers and has therefore to be optimized with the help of Sensory Analysis. In the context of this study, the odour profiles of eight standard fabric softeners have been compiled. In order to account for the specifics of the olfactory perception, the “classical” Flash Profiling approach has been modified regarding some aspects. Instead of isolated intensity ratings per descriptor, overall similarity comparisons between each sample and a reference odour per descriptor have been made by the panellists. The reference per descriptor has been selected individually by the panellists, depending on their perceptions and their number of descriptors. The uniqueness of this approach is that one of the eight fabric softeners has been used as the reference; depending on the free decision of each panellist.

Another research objective was not only to collect global perception data from untrained respondents, using Natural Grouping but also to gather acceptance data from 120 consumers. A subsequent Preference Mapping correlated the affective data with the descriptive data in order to reveal whether this modified approach delivers information that can be used to optimize the product odours.

The results of this study are promising and point up the practical use of this innovative approach. The modified approach of Flash Profiling delivers time- and cost-efficient insights in the olfactory perception of the eight samples. Moreover, the Preference Mapping reveals that there exists no universal product odour that is liked by all consumers. In fact, three segments with clearly distinctive preferences have been identified. Another interesting insight is that the two differently constituted perception mappings are similar in some aspects, but also show a few significant variations. 

Key words: Flash Profiling, Fabric Softener, Odour Descriptive Analysis, Preference Mapping