Abstract:
Studying consumer
behaviour became a concern of grape
producers and grapevine breeders since they
can learn how consumers choose their
products and which are the factors
influencing their choice. In this study, 98
respondents from Iaşi County, NE of
Romania, aged between 18 and 61 years and
grouped in four age categories, were
surveyed in order to determine through
sensorial analysis their perception on table
grapes of seven new Vitis vinifera L.
cultivars created in Romania. Respondents’
perception differed with age category.
Subjects between 18 and 27 years were the
most demanding, grape colour uniformity
and aromas being considered very poor.
Contrariwise, seeds perception and skin
thickness were not assessed as negative
features. Respondents from 28 and 35 years
appreciated positively the grapes of Napoca
and Gelu cultivars, aromatic sensation being
noted as very intense for most cultivars. The
36-45 years group considered that grapes of
studied cultivars have neutral aroma and
seeds perception is unpleasant, grapes of
Cetăţuia cultivar being preferred.
Respondents between the 46-61 years age
group rated positively the grapes of
Transilvania and Napoca cultivars,
especially for the intensity of aromatic
sensation, colour and bloom uniformity.
Mean data analysis, revealed that the
respondents preferred black grapes with
lighter and uniform shades of colour, with
large and crunchy berries covered by a
uniform wax layer, a balanced sugar/acidity
ratio and fewer seeds, grapes of
Transilvania cultivar being the closest to
their demands. The study revealed that table
grapes of the studied V. vinifera L. cultivars
created in Romania possess valuable
features highly appreciated by consumers
and superior characteristics, that can be
further use in vine breeding programmes.
