Sensory & Marketing Research

Mérieux NutriSciences’ sensory and marketing research studies support the food industry in evaluating product quality, exploring consumer attitudes, analyzing competitors, and developing new products.

Our sensory & marketing research is useful to determine the sensory characteristics of the product and gain insight into the consumer’s feelings and expectations.

Sensory Research: Know the Product 

Our sensory analyses are based on experimental design and statistical analysis applied to the basic human senses (vision, smell, taste, touch, and hearing). The aim of sensory studies is not to measure “how much I like it” but the objective intensity of sensory characteristics. Our panel of trained judges and sensory technicians perform qualitative and quantitative descriptions of similarities and differences among products. Our methods are aligned with national and international standards (UNI, ISO).

• Descriptive Analysis    
• Difference Testing

Our sensory research services enable you to:

• Establish the sensory positioning of your products in their competitive environment
• Explain consumer preferences (Preference Mapping) and define optimization routes or identify new sensory niches
• Understand the sensory signature of a brand
• Validate new formulations or manufacturing processes
• Evaluate the sensory constancy of your products through time (shelf-life determination, quality follow-up, etc.)
• Create a sensory vocabulary specific to your product’s category

Marketing Research: Know the Consumer 

Marketing research aims at exploring and measuring behaviors, habits, decision-making processes, and consumer choices and preferences. It involves all the aspects of a product: the brand, the communication on the pack, the price, its quality, and usability.

Our experts provide design protocols adapted to the specific customer needs ranging from a more basic and standardized approach to a customized one. Our teams are using two complementary approaches based on consumer listening and observation:

Marketing research is essential to make more informed and targeted decisions and reduce risks of failure as well as to acquire and maintain a competitive advantage.

Our sensory & marketing research network 

Mérieux NutriSciences has more than 30 years of experience in sensory research, a worldwide network of 20 sensory laboratories, and more than 240 sensory experts. We have a strong presence in Europe, USA, and China. In certain geographical locations, we can also provide companies with customized training programs, including sensory methods overview and the establishment of expert evaluation teams.

Contact us to discuss how Mérieux NutriSciences can help your product perform in your target market!