This concept illustrates the importance of sensory evaluation in the product development process. Sensory can determine acceptability of a finished product in the marketplace or determine sensory shelf life of a product. But when it comes to developing a new product, sensory evaluation helps guide development to a more precise goal and can result in cost savings.
"The number one purpose of sensory evaluation in product development is to minimize the chance of putting a product in the market that is not going to be well-liked," says Herbert Stone, Ph.D., co-founder and president of Tragon Corp., Redwood City, Calif. "Sensory ensures that a product will not fail because of its sensory characteristics." Secondly, sensory steers formulators in the direction of what marketing has requested, adds Stone.