Analysing the smell or aroma of a product is a very common application in industry and a very frequent need in sensory evaluation because the sensory profile and the sensory quality of products are key factors for their success among consumers. Thus, industrials frequently use olfactory analysis, either at the product development stage or at production quality control level. 

Make quality control easier with the electronic nose 

The consumer expects that his favourite products have a constant sensory quality. With objective and reliable measurements, the electronic nose helps to control the sensory profile of products all through the production line:

• Sensory conformity tests: aroma control, off-odour detection, odorous contaminant detection
• Consumer complaints investigation and identification of odorous defects subjected to a customer claim
• Influence of the manufacturing process on food flavoring
• Products aroma ageing follow-up, ingredients selection based on their shelf life and the stability of their sensory profile
• Food packaging testing: evaluation of the impact of food-contact materials on the organoleptic quality of food.

Smell analysis at the service of new product development

The sensory profile, and products aroma in particular, has a strong influence on consumers’ choice and preference. Thanks to its numerous applications, the electronic nose is a precious support tool for designing new products that meet consumers’ expectations:

• Recipe optimization to reach a target sensory profile
• Design of innovative product with a totally unique aroma
• Product re-design (retro-engineering) to change or improve its sensory features: new recipe, new aroma, new packaging
• Benchmarking of competitive products based on their sensory profile
• Change of manufacturing process or ingredients substitution (sugar-free, low carb, etc) and assessment of the impact on product aroma.