Universidade Católica celebrates 40 years of Sensory Analysis and Consumer Studies with debate on advances and the future of the field

Monday, December 16, 2024 - 16:36

On December 5th, the Universidade Católica Portuguesa, through the Faculty of Biotechnology (ESB) and the CATÓLICA-LISBON School of Business and Economics, celebrated 40 years of research and development in the field of Sensory Analysis and Consumer Studies with a special event held at the Corticeira Amorim Auditorium in Porto.

The event featured the presentation of the book "Sensory Evaluation and Consumer Acceptance of New Food Products", published by the Royal Society of Chemistry (United Kingdom), and brought together national and international experts for a debate on the field's advances and future prospects. The book, co-edited by Maria João Monteiro, researcher at the Centre for Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry (CBQF) at ESB, and Ana Costa, researcher at CUBE – CATÓLICA-LISBON RESEARCH UNIT IN BUSINESS & ECONOMICS, explores the application of Sensory Analysis and Consumer Studies in the development of new food products and beverages, covering concepts, methods, and the latest innovations in the field.

Maria João Monteiro, co-editor of the book and researcher at CBQF, stated: “This new book focuses on the application of Sensory Analysis and Consumer Studies in the development and innovation of food and beverage products, comprehensively covering the concepts, methods, and applications of sensory and consumer evaluation in assessing, accepting, and adopting new products, with emphasis on the most recent developments and new evaluation methods.”

The opening session included addresses by Paula Castro, Director of ESB, and Rita Coelho do Vale, Director of the Behavioral Insights Unit at CATÓLICA-LISBON, who highlighted the impact of research in this field over the past four decades, in professional training and collaboration with the industry. This was followed by a presentation by the book’s co-editors Ana Costa, Maria João Monteiro, and Elsa Lamy, from the University of Évora.

Ana Costa, co-editor of the book and researcher at CUBE at CATÓLICA-LISBON, emphasized: “Understanding consumers’ preferences, expectations, and aspirations is more demanding and challenging than ever. Advances in understanding human physiology, which underpins sensory perception, progress in sensory quality evaluation methods, and integration with tools from psychology and neuroscience, allow for a better understanding and anticipation of the factors that drive product success and adoption in the market.”

The event was further enriched by the participation of Manuel Malfeito Ferreira, Professor at the Instituto Superior de Agronomia at the University of Lisbon, and Ana Pinto Moura, Professor at Universidade Aberta, who presented the book’s main contributions to understanding sensory perception and consumer acceptance of new foods. The session culminated with a reflection on the 40 years of advances in Sensory Analysis and Consumer Studies, led by Rui Costa Lima, CEO of Sense Test. The event concluded with closing remarks by Manuela Pintado, Director of CBQF/ESB/UCP, who emphasized the importance of continued research and innovation in this field for the sustainable development of the food and beverage industry and its positive impact on consumers' quality of life.

This event marks a significant milestone in the history of the Universidade Católica Portuguesa, a pioneer in teaching and research in Sensory Analysis and Consumer Studies. Over the past four decades, the University has contributed significant scientific and applied advances to the food sector. The collaboration between ESB and CATÓLICA-LISBON reinforces the University’s commitment to training highly qualified professionals and generating innovative knowledge for the future of the food industry.

Photos - UCP celebrates 40 years of Sensory Analysis and Consumer Studies

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