The European Sensory Network (ESN) - an international association of leading academic and research institutions in the field of sensory and consumer sciences - met for four days at the University of Pretoria's Main Campus in mid-April. The University's Department of Food Science, an associate member of the ESN since 2005, hosted the international expert group.
"It is a great opportunity for us to strengthen our contacts with European partners", said Riette Kock, senior lecturer at the Department of Food Science and participant in the SERA Food Science and Technology Focus Area team. "These contacts are highly valuable for us since Europe is South Africa's main food export market. They help us in assisting South African food companies to understand the needs and demands of the European market, which is one major focus of our work", she explains.
Members of the ESN held seminars, workshops and lectures that were attended by the University staff and students as well as the local industry - including marketers, market and consumer research specialists, food scientists and sensory experts.
Some of the issues addressed during the four-day meeting included:
- Sensory consumer preference
- Sensory testing with consumers
- Testing of products with consumers across diverse cultures and literacy levels
- Translation of consumers' needs and wants into concrete sensory product characteristics
- Sensory evaluation techniques
- Link between marketing and research.
The focus of ESN activities is on cross-border studies. It offers numerous cross-border links between sensory scientists and industrial partners. It also provides international contacts for industry in the areas of sensory analysis and consumer studies. ESN members share their knowledge and expertise and work towards standard methodologies. More information on the work of the network is available on the ESN website: www.esn-network.com
For more information on the ESN meeting, please contact Dr Riette de Kock at +27 12 420 3238.
Source: University of Pretoria
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