Why product research is important
Supermarket offerings are vast and consumer expectations are high. A good first impression is important, but repeat purchase determines success. The question is: Does your product meet consumer expectations - and better yet, do you differentiate yourself from alternatives?
Sensory product research gives you insight into how consumers experience your product. Think about taste, texture, smell and appearance. This way you know exactly where optimization is needed to successfully market your product.
This is how we use sensory product research
By conducting sensory research within a selected consumer panel, we objectively map out how your product is experienced. Among other things, we investigate whether consumers experience your product as sweet, crunchy, attractive or different.
Together we choose the research form that fits your question and phase.
Whether it concerns:
- A new product or prototype
- Product optimization or modification
- Product promotion
- Or quality monitoring
Sensory research delivers the right insights at any time.
A product that convinces consumers
We combine consumer feedback with your product knowledge. In this way, we ensure that research results are directly applicable in product development and marketing.
What this gives you in concrete terms:
- You know how consumers really experience your product
- You get targeted feedback for product optimization
- You increase the chance of repeat purchases
- You make informed choices in development and positioning
- You reduce the risk of a failed introduction
Expertise in sensory and consumer research
Our specialists have extensive experience in sensory research within the food sector. We work with validated methods and translate data into clear insights. This is how we help you develop, improve and position products based on what consumers care about.
Deployable at every stage of the product lifecycle
Have you developed a prototype or is your product almost on the shelf? Then this is the time to test whether the product matches consumer expectations.
With product research:
- Choose the best prototype
- Find out whether your product can compete with existing products.
- Gather feedback for optimization
- Increase the chances of a successful launch
- Measure your price and brand perception
Product optimization and customization
Is your product in need of an improvement? For example, a different supplier, adjusted composition, new Nutri-Score or longer shelf life? Sensory research provides objective evidence to secure or improve quality.
Product promotion
Do you want to demonstrate the distinctiveness of your product? Sensory research shows how your product scores compared to alternatives. Well-known products with high satisfaction ratings are demonstrably better appreciated than unfamiliar products. These insights help with positioning and communication.
Three research methods
Both short and comprehensive taste surveys.
- Sharp price
- Short lead time
- Simple test design
Specifically focused on concept and product testing.
- Targeted
- High quality panelists
- Fast and complete reporting
Suitable for both food and non-food products.
- High response rate
- Result is typical household opinion
Normec NormBase
The Normec NormBase is a database containing all the surveys we have conducted. Each product category has its own norm. This offers an important cost advantage: additional research into references is not necessary. And it is unique in the market.
Penalty Analysis
After conducting a taste test, different results may come out of the survey. With the Penalty Analysis, you find out which aspect you need to address first. That way you avoid putting energy into parts that barely provide improvement.
'Sensory understands our business'
"They understand exactly what we want and what we mean. And yet they never fill in anything unasked for us. When in doubt, they always check if they have understood our request correctly. So we always get the result we had in mind. This makes it a party we can trust."
Frequently asked questions about product research
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Sensory research measures how consumers experience products in aspects such as taste, smell, texture and appearance.
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At any stage: with new products, optimizations, promotions and quality monitoring.
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Yes. We work with carefully selected panels that fit your target audience.
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Yes. The results provide rationale for claims and marketing strategies.
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Certainly. Especially in cases of adjustments or disappointing sales, it offers valuable insights.
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