Sensory analysis: test your products with 6,000 consumers
A benchmark sensory laboratory in South-West France
Sensory analysis is a scientific, reliable and independent measurement tool. It allows a company to assess consumer preferences and the organoleptic characteristics of a food product through taste, texture, smell and appearance.
From Agen, in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, our Agrotec laboratory supports food manufacturers, SMEs and start-ups at every stage of product development, from formulation to market launch.
We run your tests in the laboratory, in our tasting booths, or at home for products that require preparation. Our panels can also be mobilised in other regions depending on the needs of your study.
Our sensory tests
Every product question calls for a method. We help you choose the test that fits your objective: validating a recipe, comparing two formulations, positioning your product against the competition or checking how it holds up over time, among others.
Sensory profile
Carried out by our trained panel, the sensory profile describes and quantifies the organoleptic characteristics of your product: aroma intensity, mouthfeel, persistence, visual appearance.
It lets you map your product, compare it with its competitors and reformulate on an objective basis.
Triangle test
The triangle test is the benchmark discrimination test. Three samples are presented to the tasters, two of which are identical. They must identify the one that differs.
This test answers a simple question: can your consumers perceive a difference? It is used after a change of supplier, ingredient or manufacturing process.
Hedonic test
The hedonic test measures how much your product is liked by a panel of target consumers: level of satisfaction, preference between several variants, purchase intent.
It is used ahead of a launch, a reformulation or a repositioning.
Home use test
For products that are prepared, cooked or consumed over time, the home use test places your consumers in real conditions of use.
They evaluate your product at home, over several days, and report their observations back to us.
Shelf-life test
Sensory shelf-life monitoring measures how your product evolves organoleptically over time and under different storage conditions.
It secures the best-before date you display and detects drifts in taste, smell or texture before they reach the consumer.
Sensory coaching
Would you like to bring your evaluations in-house?
We support your teams in creating, training and monitoring your own sensory panel: selecting tasters, training on descriptors, setting up protocols and data-processing tools.
How a study unfolds
Brief and protocol
Together we define your product question, the appropriate method, the consumer target and the evaluation criteria. You receive a detailed protocol and a quotation before anything starts.
Panel recruitment
We select panellists from our database of 6,000 consumers according to your criteria: profiles, consumption habits, purchase frequency in the category. For descriptive analysis, our trained panel takes over.
Session in booths or at home
Tests take place in our 36 tasting booths, under controlled conditions of lighting, temperature and sample presentation.
For studies in real conditions of use, these tests take place at home.
Report and debrief
You receive a full study report: statistical analysis of the results, sensory mapping, consumer verbatims and operational recommendations.
An oral debrief is available to share the findings with your teams.
An independent, accredited laboratory
COFRAC accreditation
Our sensory analysis laboratory is accredited by COFRAC, the French national accreditation body. This accreditation guarantees the rigour of our protocols, the traceability of our results and the competence of our teams.
Independence from industry
Attached to the Agrotec technological resource centre, certified CRT, our laboratory is independent of any industrial group. Your results are confidential and belong to you.
Panels available in other regions
Our consumer base is rooted in South-West France, but your targets are not always. We organise sessions in other regions to test your product with the profiles that matter to you.
Frequently asked questions about sensory analysis
How many consumers are needed for a reliable sensory test?
It depends on the test. A hedonic test mobilises more target consumers than a sensory profile in order to obtain statistically usable results. The latter relies on a smaller trained panel. We size the panel with you when the protocol is drawn up.
What is the difference between a hedonic test and a sensory profile?
The two are complementary. The hedonic test measures what consumers like: it answers the question “does this product appeal, and to whom?”. The sensory profile describes what the product is: aroma intensity, texture, persistence, measured by a trained panel. It explains why the product appeals, or does not.
How long does a sensory study take?
Between validation of the protocol and delivery of the report, allow three to six weeks, depending on the needs and expectations of the study. Recruiting panellists and handling sample logistics are the longest stages. A simple triangle test can be run more quickly.
Can a product be tested with consumers outside South-West France?
Yes. Our base of 6,000 consumers is rooted around Agen, but we organise sessions in other regions when your target requires it. Home use tests also make it possible to widen the geographical area.
What does COFRAC accreditation guarantee for a sensory analysis laboratory?
COFRAC accreditation certifies that the laboratory applies standardised methods, that its results are traceable and that the competence of its teams is verified by an independent body. For you, it means results that can be relied upon, usable in a regulatory file or in product communication.
The other services of the Agrotec technical centre
Sensory analysis is part of the complete support offered by our Agrotec technical centre: raw material selection, product development, production and food safety.
Let's talk about your product
Are you developing a new product, reformulating a recipe or looking to compare your offer with the competition? Tell us about your project and we will propose the right test.
Agropole
