Consumer-assisted selection: the preference for new tablegrape cultivars in China

• J. Zhou ^[1] ; L. Cao ^[1] ; S. Chen ^[1] ; A. Perl ^[2] ; H. Ma ^[1]
  1. [1] China Agricultural University

     China Agricultural University

     China

     
  2. [2] Agricultural Research Organization

     Agricultural Research Organization

     Israel

     
• Localización: Australian journal of grape and wine research, ISSN 1322-7130, Vol. 21, Nº 3, 2015, págs. 351-360
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • Background and Aims Many new grape breeding lines with diverse quality attributes are becoming available every year. The search for specific markets is both time-consuming and labour-intensive. Consumer-assisted selection could help improve breeding and marketing efficiency.

    Methods and Results Three hundred and fifteen Chinese consumers were surveyed in Beijing; 69 of them further taste-tested ten grape samples to understand consumer preferences for tablegrape cultivars and the key attributes influencing their choice. The participants mostly preferred medium size, completely closed bunches with a tight shoulder and bunches of red to dark-coloured round or oval berries with an intense sweet–sour flavour. Intense juiciness, a crunchy texture, seedlessness and ‘Muscat’ aroma were supportive attributes.

    Conclusions Specific preferences for extrinsic and intrinsic attributes of tablegrapes were found in Chinese consumers. Consumer-assisted selection could help improve the efficiency of breeding and targeted marketing.

    Significance of the Study This study provides the first set of consumer-assisted tablegrape-selection data in China, which can be used as a reference in the breeding of new grape cultivars and in enhancing grape competitiveness in the Chinese market.