Analysis of consumer preferences for 5 varieties of mandarins

Abstract

The development of commercial citrus varieties must be in line with consumer preferences. The purpose of this study was to identify the consumer preferences for 5 varieties of mandarins, namely Batu 55, Monita Agrihorti, Terigas, Madura, and Garut. The study was conducted at Indonesian Citrus and Subtropical Fruits Research Institute (ICSFRI) by performing an affective test. The sensory attributes assessed were fruit cleanliness, fruit shape, fruit skin color, ease of peeling, fruit flesh color, fruit flavor, and number of seeds. The results showed that for Mandarin cv. Batu 55, Monita Agrihorti and Madura, consumers liked all the sensory attributes of those varieties including fruit cleanliness, fruit shape, fruit skin color, ease of peeling, fruit flesh color, fruit flavor, and number of seeds. For Mandarin cv. Terigas, consumers liked the fruit shape and fruit flesh color. For Mandarin cv. Garut, consumers liked the attributes of fruit cleanliness, fruit shape, ease of peeling, fruit flesh color and number of seeds. The attributes of fruit shape and fruit flesh color at all types of mandarins were preferred by consumers. While the attributes of fruit cleanliness, skin color, ease of peeling, fruit taste, and number of seeds at several types of mandarins were still less favored by consumers. Thus, improving the lacking quality of the mandarins needs to be done.