Consumer interest in fresh, in-shell edamame and acceptance of edamame-based patties.

摘要

Two studies were conducted to determine consumer interest in fresh, in-shell edamame (Glycine max) and acceptance of 2 edamame-based patties. An in-store consumer research study was conducted in metropolitan Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, to determine consumer demand for and interest in fresh, in-shell edamame. In fall of 2004, plastic clamshells of edamame were placed in the produce department of 4 supermarkets. The consumers who purchased the clamshells were asked to return a survey that was attached to the container. Of the 480 clamshells that were delivered to the 4 selected supermarkets, 312 (65.0%) were purchased and 33 (10.6%) of the surveys were returned. All respondents indicated that they had heard of or were familiar with edamame before purchasing the container, and 81.2% had previously purchased edamame. Results indicated that 51.6% of the respondents were more likely to purchase edamame because it was grown in Pennsylvania, and 84.4% were more likely to purchase it because it was grown without the use of pesticides. In addition, a friend's recommendation, price and sample of the product at the supermarket were rated highest among factors likely to affect the respondents' purchasing decisions regarding new produce items. Based on the total number of packages sold and the conversations with produce department managers, there appears to be a demand for fresh, in-shell edamame among supermarket consumers in metropolitan Philadelphia. A second study involving a consumer sensory evaluation was conducted in February 2005 to determine consumer acceptance of 2 edamame-based patties. 209 adults were involved, with 106 participants sampling the edamame-based patties on the first day and 103 on the second day. The participants were asked to rate the patty they sampled based on overall appeal, appearance and flavour on a scale of 1-9 points (1 point being "dislike extremely" and 9 points being "like extremely"). The overall mean liking scores for the 2 patties were 6.38 and 6.58 points, and the mean scores for flavour were 6.44 and 6.83 points on days 1 and 2, respectively. Based on the sample evaluated, 43.4 and 35.9% of the participants, each day, indicated that they "probably would buy" or "definitely would buy" this item from a supermarket. It is concluded that consumers find the 2 edamame-based patties acceptable, indicating the potential for commercial production. Across the 2 studies, the consumers express interest in purchasing fresh, in-shell edamame and edamame-based patties from a supermarket..