It's the taste that counts

When choosing among similar products, consumers seem to rely more on their personal taste than on brands or quality-seals, ...

In a pilot consumer poll, researchers from the ASAP (Association for Sensory Analysis and Product Development) in Munich, Germany, asked 153 shoppers: "Nowadays you are offered more and more new food products. When you have a choice of similar products, how can you know you have found the one that tastes best?" There were three food groups in question, fruit yoghurt, sausages, and pre-preparedfoods. Participants could choose among several responses:

	by trying out the various products until I find the one I like best
	by carefully studying the list of ingredients
	by choosing a brand that I already know
	by selecting a product with a quality-seal
	by asking friends who have knowledge about the product
	by buying an organic product
	by asking one of the store clerks
	by taking the most expensive product

Most consumers (83%) agreed with "by trying out until I find it", 65% said they would study the list of ingredients. Only 45% declared they would rely on a known brand. Less than 30% indicated they would trust quality seals, organic products or advice from friends.

Source:

Sven Henneberg

ASAP GmbH,

Association for Sensory Analysis and Product Development,

Munich, Germany

 sven.hennbergasapmunich.com

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