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Creating a high-quality product that the market will respond to requires input from experts. Whether you are a startup or an established brand, it is essential to invest in product research that gives you the certainty you need to produce a product that will thrive in your chosen market.
With so many research options available, it can be challenging to know which strategy to prioritise. Some brands focus on taste testing to determine if their product will meet consumer standards. Although helpful, this research is subjective and does not guarantee market acceptance. To improve their chances of market success, brands are using sensory profiling to develop industry-leading products.
So, what is the difference between sensory profiling and taste testing? Below we provide a guide to sensory research to help you choose the correct research method for your products.
What is Sensory Profiling?
Sensory Profiling is a type of product research that uses trained professionals to quantify, measure and compare the attributes of your product. The research is objective and focuses on the key parameters of your product to create a unique profile that can improve existing products or develop new competitive products.
The quality of your product’s sensory profile inherently depends on your sensory panellists. It is important to use trained panellists that have above-average sensory acuity. Experienced panellists can identify the most intricate tastes and smells to produce an accurate sensory profile for your product.
What is Taste Testing?
Taste testing is a research tool that you can use to improve your product before going to market or to secure increased shelf space with supermarket and retail partners.
Unlike sensory profiling, it relies entirely on responses from your target audience to determine what the average shopper thinks about your product. Acceptance testing will give you a detailed review of your product’s performance based on specific attributes, such as taste and texture. The data you receive can then be used to adjust your product to ensure that it remains competitive in the marketplace.
Why Use Sensory Profiling When Conducting Research On Your Products?
Sensory profiling gives new and existing brands the insight they need to create gold-standard products.
If you are launching a new product, sensory profiling will allow you to create a more balanced and innovative product. When both these boxes are ticked, you are more likely to have a profitable product that consumers love.
You can also utilise sensory research to build competitor product profiles. Understanding the composition of your competitor’s product will give you insight into your target audience’s taste preferences. The sensory profile can then create a unique product that meets consumer’s needs.
Existing brands can use sensory profiling to stay ahead of market trends. Investing in sensory research will give you insight into existing consumer taste trends, which can help you create a more competitive and profitable product.
Why Choose Wirral Sensory Services for Your Sensory Profiling Needs?
At Wirral Sensory Services, we understand how difficult it is to create a unique and market-share-winning product. Once you have found a great product idea, you must choose the right product research method to ensure it maximises its potential.
Sensory profiling can give you the objective feedback you need to create a profitable product. The experienced sensory panellists at WSS can give you the feedback you need to create a product that excels in the market.
We have over 20 years’ experience in sensory research, making us the perfect sensory partner for your brand’s product success. We have developed sensory research plans for brands of all sizes, allowing them to create successful new products and reimagine existing lines to strengthen their position in the market.
Whether you’re a new company or an existing brand, we can help develop industry-leading products. Contact us today, and one of our friendly team members will guide you through the sensory research process.
