Sensory examination of honey and the effect of sensory characteristics on purchase decisions

Abstract

Aside from honey’s sweet and distinctive flavor, it can provide various human health benefits, which makes its market value favorable compared to those of other sweeteners. In the study, the purchase decision making process is examined through sensory experiments. The results are based on sensory analysis of 600 adult consumers, which show that, consumers’ demand for honey varies significantly according to the flavor, aroma, color, texture and price. The geographic location of the honey’s production and the product packaging are key factors for some consumer segments. Sensory differentiation and the evaluation of honey quality are different in the analyzed consumer segments, which are described in the study.