Articles
CONSUMER PREFERENCE FOR APPLE CULTIVARS GROWN IN VARIOUS COUNTRIES: A CASE STUDY WITH HUNGARIAN CONSUMERS
Article number
831_25
Pages
219 – 228
Language
English
Abstract
Authors investigated the preference of Hungarian consumers for six selected apple varieties (Jonagold, Idared, Royal Gala, Golden Reinders, Braeburn, and Granny Smith), and pointed out the role of the origin in fruit quality and in choice of apple in the case of the Granny Smith cultivar.
Fruit samples were bought monthly from Hungarian groceries and supermarkets during three consequtive years.
Apple fruit samples from Austria, Argentina, Chile, Hungary and South Africa were involved in this study.
Authors also evaluated fruit quality parameters of above cultivars and compared them to consumer preference.
The following fruit quality parameters were measured: fruit weight (g), diameter (mm), height (mm), fruit shape index, skin colour (%), flesh firmness (N), soluble solids content (%). Consumer preference usually represented the quality attributes of the fruit well.
It is also concluded that degree of liking of apple cultivars varies through gender and age.
Children and young consumers preferred Royal Gala, Granny Smith and Braeburn, mostly.
In spite of Idared being one of the cultivars grown in the largest area in Hungary, the lowest preference ratings were given for it in both gender categories.
Middle-aged consumers (between 25 and 50 years of age) preferred crispy apples with red or blemished skin color (Royal Gala, and Jonagold). Jonagold and Idared were the most preferred cultivars for the consumers above the age of 50 likely because of their relatively low price, as price plays a significant influencing role in the purchase of these consumers.
The relatively expensive and soury Granny Smith appeared not really preferred by this age group.
In spite of the significant differences in instrumentally measured fruit quality parameters among Granny Smith fruit samples from different countries, consumers did not give significantly different preference rating scores for those.
Fruit samples were bought monthly from Hungarian groceries and supermarkets during three consequtive years.
Apple fruit samples from Austria, Argentina, Chile, Hungary and South Africa were involved in this study.
Authors also evaluated fruit quality parameters of above cultivars and compared them to consumer preference.
The following fruit quality parameters were measured: fruit weight (g), diameter (mm), height (mm), fruit shape index, skin colour (%), flesh firmness (N), soluble solids content (%). Consumer preference usually represented the quality attributes of the fruit well.
It is also concluded that degree of liking of apple cultivars varies through gender and age.
Children and young consumers preferred Royal Gala, Granny Smith and Braeburn, mostly.
In spite of Idared being one of the cultivars grown in the largest area in Hungary, the lowest preference ratings were given for it in both gender categories.
Middle-aged consumers (between 25 and 50 years of age) preferred crispy apples with red or blemished skin color (Royal Gala, and Jonagold). Jonagold and Idared were the most preferred cultivars for the consumers above the age of 50 likely because of their relatively low price, as price plays a significant influencing role in the purchase of these consumers.
The relatively expensive and soury Granny Smith appeared not really preferred by this age group.
In spite of the significant differences in instrumentally measured fruit quality parameters among Granny Smith fruit samples from different countries, consumers did not give significantly different preference rating scores for those.
Authors
J. Racskó, D.D. Miller, E.E. Duarte, Z. Szabó, M. Soltész, J. Nyéki, J. Szukics, M.C. Dussi
Keywords
consumer preference, apple, fruit quality, gender, age, country of origin
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