Testing consumer acceptability of new crops: an integrated sensory and marketing approach using muntries, an Australian native berry
Date
2009
Authors
Schultz, C.
Apps, D.
Johnson, T.
Bastian, S.
Editors
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Journal article
Citation
Food Australia, 2009; 61(8):335-341
Statement of Responsibility
C.J. Schultz, D.J. Apps, T.E. Johnson and S.E.P. Bastian
Conference Name
Abstract
The Australian native berry, muntries, is one of few palatable native fruits and can be used in savoury and sweet dishes. Muntries possess antioxidant levels equivalent to those in a commercial high antioxidant berry mix and approximately five times higher than frozen blueberries and strawberries. A modified focus panel (MFP) approach and subsequent central location trial (CLT) explored consumer awareness of muntries, purchasing behaviour of native foods and acceptability of a broad range of muntries products. The MFP showed that muntries are not well known and identified flavour as significantly more important than 14 other purchasing drivers. Of six muntries products, sparkling juice and chutney obtained the highest acceptability scores. In the CLT, hot cross buns made with muntries achieved a high acceptability. This study, showing that muntries are not well known but have broad consumer appeal, highlights the need for marketing communications to provide consumers with information about new products and their health benefits