Sensory food preferences. An analysis of consumer behaviour using organic food as an example

This dissertation intends to investigate consumer behaviour with a special emphasis on the influence of sensory food attributes and consumers¿ preferences for these. It highlights the relevance of consumers¿ sensory perception and preferences for the research of food choices and indicates the need for a stronger integration of sensory analysis in food marketing research. This research concern is implemented by using the organic food market as an example that, due to its quality and premium orientation, offers great potentials for differentiation strategies based on taste and other sensory properties. A comprehensive and systematic literature review of international research on organic food consumption behaviour discovers the role that sensory aspects had played until now and reveals the need for more sensory-oriented consumer research. Based on this, in the context of six European organic markets, consumers¿ stated preference and actual sensory preferences are explored, shedding light on the role they play in consumption behaviour. In addition to sensory preferences, the thesis offers insights into a further perceptual construct that appears to be relevant for consumer behaviour, namely the perceived authenticity of traditional food specialties.

The concluding section presents the main findings of the six research articles cumulated in the thesis and discusses them with regard to implications for marketing and research. Moreover, it evaluates the limitations of the included studies from which further need for research is derived.