This will be a key theme of Kerry’s forthcoming presentation at the 9th Pangborn Sensory Science Symposium in Canada.

“Providing a comprehensive sensory function is a major commitment within any company and to prove its worth it needs to provide a service that is respected, not only internally by our own research, development, marketing and quality functions, but also by our customers” says Janet Colwill Head of Sensory at Bristol Centre of Excellence, Kerry Ingredients & Flavours EMEA.

The role of consumer insight and sensory research in supporting the development of consumer preferred products for our customers and markets is becoming increasingly important. Food and beverage manufacturers are turning to their ingredients and flavours suppliers to lead and support the development of new products and concepts. This is having a direct impact on the way manufacturers and suppliers relate to each other in moving those relationships from transactional in nature to more strategic partnering both at a local level and regional/global.

Kerry Ingredients & Flavours has been a long-time supporter of this event and this year Janet Colwill, Head of Sensory, Bristol Centre of Excellence, Kerry EMEA, Fiona Webb, Sensory Panel Leader, Cam, Kerry EMEA and Sheryl Karow, Sensory Director, Beloit Centre of Excellence, Kerry America will be part-taking in a workshop 'Improving the Bottom Line in Business with Sensory' where they will present a discussion paper entitled; “Connecting with Clients”
 
Abstract: Providing a comprehensive sensory function is a major commitment within any company and to prove its worth it needs to provide a service that is respected, not only internally by research, development, marketing and quality functions, but also by its clients. 

The role of the sensory professional within a project and their relationship with the client can often be a discussion point. Is the sensory team there purely to provide a service, to carry out the required testing or should they be proactively involved in driving the project and connecting with clients?  As we work more in a global environment, the challenges to understand different markets, work in conjunction with other professionals, liaise with clients and present sensory findings are all issues we are embracing.  Technological advances have helped make this easier in many instances, but have also driven the requirement for speed of response.  In addition to this it is no longer relevant just to present the findings, but now insight and action points are critical to driving the decisions.

The sensory professional has many things to offer in helping to connect with clients and this presentation will cover some thoughts on how we add value, provide a point of focus and some of the challenges we need to address in doing this.

The Pangborn Sensory Science Symposium which takes place on the 4th-8th September is the most prestigious conference within the field of sensory science where practitioners meet to discover, discuss and develop the latest in fundamental and applied sensory science. It is the largest sensory conference in the world with over 1000 sensory professionals, academics and students attending.  As such it is an ideal event for Kerry to share its ideas and observations to some of the world’s leading experts and practitioners.

For more information visit http://www.pangborn2011.com/