Articles
Preference of consumers from the Western Cape Province of South Africa for pear eating quality and appearance
Article number
1403_5
Pages
43 – 52
Language
English
Abstract
Understanding consumer preference for pear taste and appearance puts the industry in a better position to maximise profits and reduce the waste of fruit that did not find the right buyers.
To identify the drivers of preference, 10 pear genotypes were evaluated.
The intention was to select genotypes in such a way that a wide range of pear characteristics were offered so that the main drivers of liking could be identified – genotypes were not compared per se.
A trained panel assessed the sensory attributes of each genotype and then 421 consumers served in taste tests and filled in questionnaires recording their preferences for taste and appearance.
Instrumental measurements were also collected from pears from each genotype and correlations analysis performed between variables.
The data indicate that the majority of consumers in the Western Cape, showed a preference for pears with a distinct pear flavour, a sweet taste, fair acidity, soft, juicy flesh with melt character, and yellow or pale green peel color with a typical pear shape (elongate-concave). Astringency, sourness, and grittiness had a negative effect on consumer preference.
The data also indicated that most consumers did not prefer the appearance of bi-colored pears; in fact, these pears scored relatively low for appearance.
The round, russeted appearance of the only Asian pear included in the study was disliked by consumers.
Marketing of Asian pears or hybrids with non-traditional shapes and appearances may require branding under another name in order not to clash with consumer expectations with regards to pear taste and appearance.
To identify the drivers of preference, 10 pear genotypes were evaluated.
The intention was to select genotypes in such a way that a wide range of pear characteristics were offered so that the main drivers of liking could be identified – genotypes were not compared per se.
A trained panel assessed the sensory attributes of each genotype and then 421 consumers served in taste tests and filled in questionnaires recording their preferences for taste and appearance.
Instrumental measurements were also collected from pears from each genotype and correlations analysis performed between variables.
The data indicate that the majority of consumers in the Western Cape, showed a preference for pears with a distinct pear flavour, a sweet taste, fair acidity, soft, juicy flesh with melt character, and yellow or pale green peel color with a typical pear shape (elongate-concave). Astringency, sourness, and grittiness had a negative effect on consumer preference.
The data also indicated that most consumers did not prefer the appearance of bi-colored pears; in fact, these pears scored relatively low for appearance.
The round, russeted appearance of the only Asian pear included in the study was disliked by consumers.
Marketing of Asian pears or hybrids with non-traditional shapes and appearances may require branding under another name in order not to clash with consumer expectations with regards to pear taste and appearance.
Publication
Authors
A. Blanckenberg, M. Muller, K. Theron, E.M. Crouch, W.J. Steyn
Keywords
European pear, Pyrus communis, Asian pear, Pyrus pyrifolia
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