Introduction
Consumer behaviour and preferences are key factors for the success of the aquaculture industry in meeting market demands and embracing innovative technologies. To understand and guide purchasing decisions, a synergistic approach has been developed that integrates virtual simulations and real-life experiences.
A central element of this strategy is sensory evaluation, which is crucial for deciphering consumption dynamics and defining effective market strategies. In the initial phase, highly qualified sensory experts conducted a Quantitative Descriptive Analysis (QDA) on various aquatic species (fish and shellfish), profiling their sensory characteristics in terms of taste, aroma, texture, and appearance. Subsequently, over 150 consumers for Italy, Denmark and Slovenia participated in culinary events and guided tasting sessions, expressing their preferences. This phase enabled the collection of valuable data on the most appreciated sensory attributes and identified significant differences among consumer groups with diverse habits and preferences.
Aquaculture faces the dual challenge of meeting the growing global demand and promoting sustainability. In this context, consumer trust is a cornerstone for fostering the adoption of innovations and ensuring the competitiveness of the sector. This study, as part of the FishEUTrust project, aims to strengthen trust in aquatic products through innovative interventions based on advanced sensory analyses and technological solutions.
Materials and Method
The research was conducted in two distinct phases. Initially, a panel of sensory experts carried out a Quantitative Descriptive Analysis (QDA) on a selection of aquatic products, including fish and shellfish, to define their sensory profiles. The samples were evaluated according to standardised parameters related to taste, aroma, texture, and appearance. Subsequently, over 150 volunteer consumers from the three countries , participated in structured tasting sessions and culinary events, expressing their individual preferences through detailed questionnaires. The data collected were subjected to statistical analysis to identify correlations between sensory preferences and participants’ dietary habits.
Expected Results
The research results provide an in-depth understanding of the sensory characteristics most appreciated by consumers, such as taste, aroma, texture, and appearance , identifying the key attributes that drive their preferences and choices . The analysis highlights significant differences among various population segments influenced by factors such as dietary habits , cultural background , and personal experiences.
Through the analysis of sensory profiles of aquatic products, combined with direct feedback collected during guided tasting sessions, it has been possible to precisely define the characteristics that make products more attractive and desirable . This information is a crucial resource for developing market strategies aimed at effectively communicating sensory qualities and meeting consumer expectations.
Furthermore , the integration of this knowledge with innovative technologies , such as virtual experiments and traceability systems, strengthens trust in sustainable aquatic products by promoting supply chain transparency and showcasing the value of responsible aquaculture practices. This synergistic approach seeks to encourage consumers to choose more sustainable options, driven not only by ethical principles but also by the high sensory quality of the products offered.
This research was conducted as part of the FishEUTrust project, which has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme under grant agreement no. 101060712.