Relationships between acceptability and sensory attributes of peach nectars using internal preference mapping

Abstract Eight samples of peach nectars were profiled by a trained panel and assessed for overall liking by a consumer panel. Internal preference mapping was used to derive a multidimensional space of samples based only on acceptance data. The first three preference dimensions showed significant fit for 91.2% of the consumer population. According to the position of these consumers on the maps, four subgroups could be formed. The first dimension was mainly related to sweetness and off-flavour. The second dimension was related to acidity and texture attributes (body, viscosity, sliminess, mouth-coating) and the third dimension was defined by flavour intensity, peach flavour, and artificial and cooked flavours. Based on these results, the preference criteria of each consumer subgroups were established.