Abstract

The food and beverage industries are today facing an extremely competitive business situation. To the degree that the product developer or marketer, as well as general business manager, can understand the consumer and target efforts, the business will be more successful. This chapter introduces sensory optimization that could fill that need, for it provides both theory and case histories illustrating the types of issues, the nature of the thinking and the way the problem is solved in a practical format. Aimed toward all aspects of the industry, the chapter is especially important for those involved in the early stages of development, where there is much business opportunity.