Abstract:

This paper examines the shortcomings of traditional product testing techniques. Problem areas associated with using consumer information to direct product development are highlighted and some of the new product testing techniques now available to manufacturers to help them improve the product development process and introduce more successful products to the market place are detailed and discussed. In particular this paper will describe how the language gap between the consumer, the flavour and fragrance developer and the marketing client can be successfully bridged using a combination of techniques used by the sensory scientist and the market researcher.