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.
Keywords: Sensory optimization, RDE, experimental design, sweetener,
perfume, R&D, market research, industrial problem.
