Eating quality and European consumer acceptance of different peach (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch) varieties

A protocol for a simultaneous consumer test on peach fruits produced in different countries was set up, and tests were carried out in France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Spain. New and commercial standard cultivars of peaches and nectarines, employing variable acid or sub-acid taste, yellow or white flesh, and including clingstone and flat peaches, were subjected to the hedonic judgment of more than 500 consumers. Cultivar evaluation and the effect of the consumer's gender and age on hedonic judgment varied, as expected, with country. However, the most appreciated cultivars had consistent results in all tests. This study makes it possible to estimate the weight of different factors in determining hedonic judgment with type (nectarine or peach) and taste (sub-acid or acid) being the main drivers for consumer preferences. Strong similarities were recorded among Italian, German and Spanish consumers, expressing the major importance of type. In France, type and taste had a similar weight, whereas in Poland a more complex scenario was revealed. The research showed the potential offered by international consumer tests in detecting either general or regional attitudes. Hedonic tests are the tool for orienting the peach market towards an increase of peach appreciation and, expectantly, consumption.