Open call #4
Development of methodological tool kits for sensorial quality assessment of berry genetic resources
Sensory methodologies are used to define the commercial potential of pre-breeding material, new cultivars and innovative production techniques by assessing sensory attributes and consumer appreciation. Sensory profiles produced by trained assessor can identify strengths and weaknesses of genotypes’ quality, improving the efficiency of selection phases. Advanced methods applied in consumer tests are useful for identifying preference drivers to foster the selection of pre-commercial material and provide tools for decision-making about cultivar release.
The objective of this Open Call
The objective of this Open Call was to involve European berry breeders and companies willing to develop their skills and knowledge to exploit sensory-quality evaluation of berries (strawberry, raspberry, blueberry) by using professional, coordinated and scientifically sound methodology. This helped in improving and speeding up the breeding project phases closest to market.
The participants in this Open Call learned how to perform sensory tests for sensory panels (specially trained small groups to describe sensory quality) as well as for consumers tests (large untrained-audience events for fast acceptance testing). Thus, they were able to obtain practical experience in training a panel for performing sensory tests, to obtain sensory profiles, how to plan and carry out consumer tests to assess hedonic appreciation as well as how to combine and interpret sensory and preference data.
The training was given to provide competencies for sound evaluation of berry genotypes of strawberry, raspberry, and blueberry. Participants were encouraged and supported in applying these sensory techniques on the genotypes of most interest to them.
Selection process
The Open Call #4 closed on 31.10.2021. A total of 7 proposals were received and 7 proposals have been selected for funding. We would like to thank all applicants for their interest and look forward to the collaboration with Angus Soft Fruits Ltd. (United Kingdom), Centre de Recherche et d’Innovation Végétale (France), Estonian University of Life Sciences (Estonia), G-Berries S.R.L. (Italy), Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry Institute of Horticulture (Lithuania), Oragro Tarim Ltd Şti (Turkey) and Royal Berries S.L.U. (Spain) !
In this Open Call, we have funded 7 projects à 13,600€.
Further information is available in the public evaluation report on Open Call #4.
Testimonial from the Open Call Leader: Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche
“The BreedingValue project, through Open Call #4, provided an opportunity to transfer scientific knowledge to selected companies in order to assess their interest in and need for applying modern sensory and consumer testing methodologies to support decision-making in breeding programs. The approach followed a structured pathway combining foundational training with practical application.
The training addressed three key theoretical topics: i) creating and training a sensory panel, ii) designing and conducting a consumer test, iii) analyzing sensory and consumer data. These topics were presented—alongside relevant technical tools—during three in-person training sessions, held annually in Emilia-Romagna, Italy.
After each session, participants were asked to implement the knowledge acquired at their own facilities and to provide feedback during regular monitoring meetings organized by Eurice. The outcome of this hands-on activity showed that participants effectively transferred the acquired skills and knowledge to their institutions, successfully completing the assigned tasks and delivering solid results. Notably, and to the satisfaction of the Open Call organizers, participants were able to integrate sensory methodologies into their breeding selection protocols—an advancement with potential benefits extending beyond the timeframe and original goals of the BreedingValue project.
Engaging effectively with market and consumer is undeniably challenging. However, the results of Open Call #4 demonstrated that targeted training can support the emergence of new professional roles, such as the “Sensory Project Manager,” who can play a vital role in evaluating the market suitability and consumer appeal of potential new cultivars.”
Dr Stefano Predieri, Senior Researcher
Testimonials from the Open Call Participants
“Being part of this Open Call, we gathered a lot of knowledge and know how on sensory analysis. The experience gained during the trainings allows us to optimise the evaluation of our breeding material, using the sensory analysis as a tool to select. The tools and software presented during the open call project prove to be useful and handy to use. They are now implemented when needed for statistical analysis of data from panel or consumer test. Another added value of our participation to the Open Call 4, is the experience shared with the other breeding companies. Working all on a same topic strengthen the international cooperation. Participating to this project our company was able to benefit of being more known locally. Through the organisation of local consumer test, our activities became more open to the public, which also helped promote breeding and the diversity that can exists within the berry world.”
Nolwenn Andouard, Strawberry and raspberry breeder
https://www.marionnet-label.com
“The BreedingValue Open Call Project allowed us to enhance our understanding of sensory and consumer evaluation techniques for blueberry breeding. Through training sessions, we developed a sensory lexicon with a great variety of descriptors and conducted internal tests, including recognition and ranking exercises, precursors for forming a taste panel. Despite challenges in forming a dedicated taste panel, we adapted by training ourselves and successfully applied rapid methodologies like JAR, CATA, and liking tests. Data analysis provided insights into sensory attributes and consumer preferences. This project equipped us with practical tools and knowledge to improve sensory evaluation processes and align them with breeding objectives, paving the way for future advancements. Being part of the BreedingValue Project was a unique and rewarding experience. The project leaders were not just experts in their scientific fields, but supportive and approachable during the training sessions and outside. The training sessions were engaging and practical in a collaborative atmosphere and We came away with a much better understanding of sensorial quality assessment methods of berry genetic resources.”
Philipp Schulze, Vaccinium Head Breeder EMEA
“The Open Call project gave us an excellent opportunity to gain knowledge and acquire new skills in berry quality analysis and sensory analysis. During project meetings, we received in-depth theoretical and practical knowledge, which opens new opportunities for our future research. This will hopefully enable active international cooperation perspectives, and integration into international scientific programmes.”
Dr. Neringa Rasiukevičiūtė
“As a result of the BreedingValue Open Call project, new expertise on sensory evaluation of the raspberry fruits was gained by putting together a trained panel and applying novel sensory evaluation methods at Polli Horticultural Research Centre of Estonian University of Life Sciences. The consumer perception testing revealed to us the preferred sensory properties for raspberries, which we can consider in further raspberry breeding activities.
As a result of the project, we received new comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience in sensory evaluation methods and their analysis, which we can apply in the future for better cultivar selection in our fruit and berry breeding programs.
The goals set within the project were 100% met. We have gained added value through developing the competences of our research and technical staff members on different sensory evaluation methods, panel and sensory data management, implementation of testing and application of adequate methods for statistical analysis.”
Dr. Reelika Rätsep
