Jumbo has its taste tests carried out by Normec Sensory. “Normec Sensory understands the business we are in”, says Johan Hulleman, quality manager at Jumbo. “They are fast, flexible and they think along with us.”

“Normec Sensory is a pleasant company to work with,” says Helen van Maarschalkerweerd, quality manager Consumer Surveys at Jumbo. “It’s nice that they move quickly. They ensure that we have a report within two weeks, even if something goes wrong. For example, it sometimes happens that a supplier delivers his products too late. Normec Sensory often finds a solution for this so that the process is not delayed.”

Right questions

Jumbo is also satisfied with the quality of the work that Normec Sensory delivers. “They present us with questionnaires that fit well with the products we test”, says Helen. “We get to see these lists in advance, so that we can check if we are missing anything and whether the questions are relevant. It is important to us that they ask exactly the right questions, because otherwise they can put the consumer on the wrong track. For example, you should only ask about creaminess if a product actually has aspects that can be judged as creamy. The right question will ensure a reliable result.” Helen is also pleased with the way Normec Sensory reports the results. “We always get two reports, namely a summary and an extensive report. That way, we quickly have a good overview of the results. And for more depth we can consult the extensive report.”

Uploading in our system

Johan Hulleman also feels that Normec Sensory thinks along with them. “Everything is negotiable, and they always come up with good solutions. For example, we asked them to upload the reports in our system. That was no problem. This saves us a lot of work and we now always have an insight into the current status of our tests.” Normec Sensory also thinks along with Jumbo in other areas. “Most of the tests we have carried out by Normec Sensory are standard”, says Johan. “But sometimes we want something special. For example, it is sometimes desirable for consumers to test the products at home. Or we want to have a test carried out for which we need the result the same day. Such requests are almost never a problem. And we can always be present at the tests, if we want to. This way we see how the results come about and we better understand why consumers make certain choices.”

Helen also enjoys the fact that she gets to work with regular contacts. “They understand exactly what we want and what we mean. And yet they never assume anything without checking with us. When in doubt, they always check whether they have understood our request correctly. This way we always get the result that we had in mind. That makes it a party we can rely on. “

The Smaakhuis is a testing facility for Normec Sensory’s taste research, as well as other tests. We have a test facility in Amstelveen, Alkmaar, Den Bosch and Antwerp. Special, local panels are selected for each Smaakhuis, with people who enjoy testing products on a regular basis. Thanks to a unique and efficient workflow, we can offer this type of research at a very competitive rate. Our test centre is particularly focused on short single-product resting as well as comparative taste tests.

There are taste tests every single day at the Smaakhuis. Participants come to take part in one or more tests. Generally, the tests are completed in one day and we can provide you with a report of the results a few days later.

The Smaakhuis is set up to accommodate short taste-testing sessions, but naturally we can also do more extensive research. A short taste test is used to test one to three products, it includes a short questionnaire and it involves a standard target group. For these tests, panel members always visit the test centre to take part in several tests. When it comes to more extensive research with several forms of testing we will consult with you to meet your requirements. You will receive a tailor-made study with a specific questionnaire, a specific target group, x number of test subjects and specific research design.

Using our test centre has the following advantages:

• Competitive pricing
• Quick turnaround and results
• Simple testing schemes

Taste research conducted at the Smaakhuis is particularly suitable for:

• Getting consumers’ first impression of a product
• A quick and efficient comparison of different recipes within one brand
• A quick and efficient comparison of your products with those of competitors. Tests can be done on either single products or comparatively in the Smaakhuis. This is the type of research widely used by manufacturers, retailers and tender participants.

Would you like to know more about your options? Please contact us.

The Normec NormBase is a unique database containing all the studies we have carried out. This wealth of information sets standards for more than three thousand specific product categories. You can choose to compare your product to this NormBase. This gives you a good insight into how your product scores compared to the average of the product category.

Purchase index

Another technique is the Purchase Index. This index is based on the question of the buying intention of respondents. It indicates the potential of the product. This potential depends on, among other things, familiarity, availability and out of stock situations. The standard that the Purchase Index must meet differs per product group.

A home placement is one of the most reliable forms of product research. We find out the consumer’s opinion in a place where they’re comfortable. This might be in their own homes or another location where the products are normally used. You can also find out the opinion of other family members in the product review. The result: a review that is as objective as possible.

The most important advantages:

• Very suitable for both food and non-food products.
• The testing of products occurs at a time when consumers normally consume or use them.
• A high response.
• The consumer is not under any time pressure, so they give their opinion when it suits them.
• They don’t get influenced by the interviewers.
• The answers are thorough and honest.
• The result shows the opinion of a typical household.
• We select new consumers for each survey.

How does it work?

Testers receive the product at home. They use the product when they normally would use such products with no outside influence. They answer questions about its user-friendliness and packaging, among other things, via an online questionnaire. You will receive a report from us ten days after delivery. We record all results in our Normec Database, which is unique in the industry. This database includes all of our research for the last three years, and includes all the average scores of all of our research, divided into product categories. This enables us to give you really specific advice about the feasibility of your product.

Select your target audience

You can select a specific target audience from The Netherlands or Belgium, and you can include their partners and children with separate questionnaires.

Would you like more information, or find out how we can be of service you? Please contact us, we’re happy to help.