Assessment of Consumer Preferences on Table Grapes of New Vitis vinifera L. Cultivars

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.