76C-17 |
A survey on consumer attitude and perception of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables with or without edible coating |
S. SONTI1, W. Prinyawiwatkul1, and K. H. McWatters2. (1) Department of Food Science, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70803-4200, (2) Department of Food Science and Technology, Georgia Experiment Station, University of Georgia, Griffin, GA 30223-1797 Consumer demand for ready-to-eat fresh-cut fruits and vegetables (FCFV) has been recently increased. The combined minimal processing used to prepare FCFV causes quality deterioration at a faster rate than normally observed in whole raw/unprocessed fruits/vegetables. Edible coating may help extend the shelf life of FCFV. Knowing consumer perception towards FCFV and edible coating would help the food industry meet the consumer and market demand. The survey was conducted to (1) evaluate consumer perception and preferences of 16 fresh-cut fruits and 16 fresh-cut vegetables, (2) compare preferences among fresh-cut, canned, frozen-cut, and whole raw/unprocessed fruits and vegetables, and (3) educate consumers on edible coating applications on FCFV and then evaluate their psychological biased-responses towards purchase intent of coated FCFV. 199 consumers (100 male/ 99 female) completed the survey. 72.5% and 67.7% of responding consumers, respectively, preferred fresh-cut over canned and frozen-cut fruits/vegetables, mainly due to freshness. Consumers (37.2%) preferred commercially available fresh-cut over whole raw/unprocessed fruits/vegetables due to less preparation-time/clean-up, ready-to-consume, and serving-portion per pack. 64% and 68.5% of consumers, respectively, have purchased fresh-cut fruits (apple, cantaloupe, honeydew, pineapple, strawberry, watermelon) and fresh-cut vegetables (bell pepper, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, cucumber, lettuce, spinach, tomato, turnip greens). However, about 27% of consumers would not buy them because they are too expensive. Consumers knew that commercial whole apples (89% responses) and cucumber (67.2% responses) are coated with edible materials. Consumers (46.3%) knew about edible films/coatings and 76.5% would buy FCFV coated with an FDA-approved edible coating if commercially available. Some would not buy coated FCFV if the coating material were from animal sources. About 11% increase in purchase intent was observed after advantages of edible coating had been described to consumers. This study provided useful information that will help the food industry meet the consumer and market demand on fresh-cut fruits and vegetables.
Session 76C, Fruit & Vegetable Product: Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
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