The sensory research industry combines sensory science with consumer and product research to provide businesses with tangible insights about consumer preferences and trends. Companies in this sector cater to various industries, ranging from consumer packaged goods (CPG) to innovative product development ventures. They offer an array of services including sensory science, consumer testing, product performance, and brand research. As the emphasis on consumer-centric business strategies continues to rise, the sensory research industry is progressively expanding its scope. Market players are now leveraging advanced techniques and best-in-class facilities to bolster innovation success rates and craft memorable consumer experiences.


Top 25 Sensory Research Companies

1. P&K Research

P&K Research is a global partner to the world's leading CPG companies. With over 60 years of experience, P&K specializes in sensory science and consumer testing. We collect and analyze data to provide insight into consumer preferences and help our clients deliver products that delight their customers.


2. SAM Sensory and Consumer Research

SAM is the leading international sensory and consumer research provider for product performance and design. They combine sensory science with advanced consumer, product, packaging, and brand research techniques to create memorable experiences for consumers. Their best-in-class facilities and bespoke project management software enable agility and visibility in managing projects across 19 locations in 9 countries. With their expertise, SAM aims to enhance product performance and positioning strategy, improving the success rate of innovations and launches worldwide.


3. ACCE International

  • Website: acceintl.com
  • Headquarters: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
  • Founded: 1986
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • LinkedIn

ACCE is an industry leader in sensory research, offering reliable and actionable insights for consumer and product research. With expertise in marketing strategies and roadmapping, ACCE provides custom-designed research projects using reliable methods and techniques. They specialize in sensory science and maintain sensory acuity-screened panels for discrimination tests. Additionally, ACCE offers quantitative and qualitative consumer research, including focus groups, and is approved for testing cannabis-infused products. Their capabilities and capacity make them a trusted partner for businesses seeking consumer insights.


4. Alpha MOS

  • Website: alpha-mos.com
  • Headquarters: Toulouse, France, France
  • Founded: 1992
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Latest funding type: Post Ipo Equity
  • LinkedIn

Alpha MOS is a company that specializes in sensory analysis solutions. They offer a complete range of instruments and services for taste analysis, smell analysis, and color & shape analysis. Their products are used in various industries including food and beverage, packaging, and more.


5. Sensory Spectrum

Sensory Spectrum is a globally recognized management consulting firm that specializes in understanding the sensory-consumer experience. With extensive experience, international clients, and unparalleled research techniques, we provide customized solutions to a wide range of industries through sensory program design, consumer research, project management, and training.


6. Sensory Value

Sensory Value is an international market research consultancy specializing in sensory analysis and product strategy for the food and beverage industry.


7. ALS Perception

Perception is a company specializing in applied neuroscience, online communities, digital ethnography, and semantic analysis. They offer sensory studies, consumer testing, and custom research services. They merged with flyfrog in 2016 to provide specialized services in sensory research, marketing research, and consumer neuroscience.


8. Sense Test, Lda

SenseTest is a sensory testing company that specializes in the evaluation of sensory differences in food products. They offer tools and services for product quality evaluation, product development and innovation, and supplier/competitor performance evaluation. SenseTest uses innovative techniques and an exclusive software called SenseProfiling to assess Fast Moving Consumer Goods. They also have a database of celiac consumers for studies and group discussions on food habits. SenseTest provides professional and reliable analytical results to support clients' decisions.


9. Wolf Group

  • Website: wolfgrp.com
  • Headquarters: Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
  • Founded: 1988
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn

Wolf Group has been providing actionable research solutions through foundational research and multi-sensory evaluation for over 30 years. Their mission is to offer innovative tools, testing, and research protocols to help clients bring superior products to the market. They specialize in holistic innovation, product research, food science, nutrition, statistics, training, and information technology.


10. Global Sensory

Global Sensory is a market research institute that specializes in sensory evaluation and consumer testing for companies across industries. They offer comprehensive methodology, sensory analysis, consumer testing, panel experts, and training programs to help companies maximize the performance of their products.


11. Foerster & Thelen Teststudio GmbH

  • Website: ftstudio.de
  • Headquarters: Bochum, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
  • Founded: 1990
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn

Foerster & Thelen Teststudio GmbH is a field service provider for product testing with locations in Bochum, Hannover, Dusseldorf, Mannheim and Hamburg. They offer comprehensive services such as sensory tests, recruitment, and evaluation with an experienced and motivated team. Their new sensor laboratory in Hannover enables them to test products effectively with reliable and friendly customer care.


12. Center for Sensory Analysis and Consumer Behavior

Sensoryanalysis.com is a sensory analysis and consumer behavior center, offering various types of research services related to products. It uses skillful science to provide savvy solutions and helps organizations make informed decisions.


13. Axens

  • Website: axens-conseil.com
  • Headquarters: Loos, Nord-Pas-De-Calais, France
  • Founded: 1994
  • Headcount: 11-50

AXENS is a company specialized in sensory analysis and consumer testing.


14. Imasens

  • Website: imasens.fr
  • Headquarters: Périgueux Cedex, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France
  • Founded: 2006
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn

IMASENS is a marketing and sensory research institute providing customized studies for product development. With personalized and combined tools, they offer tailored services for your specific needs and products.


15. IEC France

IEC France is a company that specializes in conducting safety, efficacy, and consumer tests for various products. With locations in Japan, Singapore, Korea, Bulgaria, and South Africa, IEC France caters to a diverse population in Southeast Asia. They offer services such as patch tests, dermatological and ophthalmological tests, anti-aging and whitening efficacy tests, and consumer tests. They work with clients in the beauty, skincare, and personal care industries.


16. Claim

  • Website: aboutclaim.com
  • Headquarters: Ciudad Autonoma De Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • Founded: 1999
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn

aboutclaim.com is a Contract Research Organization specializing in clinical studies for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, dermatological and veterinary products, employing alternative methods to animal testing.


17. North Cliff Consultants, Inc.

North Cliff Consultants is a company that specializes in designing and conducting sensory and medical device studies. By joining their product testing studies or clinical trials, individuals can contribute to the development of the next generation of consumer products, medicines, and technology. They have been serving the Cincinnati area for more than 35 years.


18. MMR Research

MMR is a global consumer and sensory research agency that offers industry-leading consumer research solutions and helps businesses improve all aspects of the innovation journey.


19. Decision Analyst

Decision Analyst is a marketing research and advanced analytics company that provides qualitative explorations, quantitative research, analytics, and modeling to help companies improve their marketing strategies, optimize customer experiences, and accelerate new product development.


20. Walnut Unlimited

Walnut Unlimited is a human understanding agency that specializes in blending traditional research with neuroscience techniques to interpret human behavior. They help brands connect with people by understanding what they think, how they feel, and why. Their expertise spans across various industries, allowing them to apply their insights and experience to successfully navigate different sectors. Walnut Unlimited is part of UNLIMITED, a fully integrated agency group focused on human understanding and digital transformation.


21. Eolas International

Eolas International is a global product quality expert company specializing in partnering with FMCG clients to enhance consumer quality experience throughout the supply chain. With over 20 years of experience, they offer services such as in-home usage testing, sensory services, trade sampling, and analytical services.


22. SAM-Sensory Dimensions

Sensory Dimensions is a research company that offers international research services managed from its UK hubs. They specialize in product benchmarking, packaging development, product testing, and product quality improvement.


23. Curion

  • Website: curioninsights.com
  • Headquarters: Deerfield, Illinois, United States
  • Founded: 2017
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Latest funding type: Acquired
  • LinkedIn

Curion Insights is a consumer insights company that provides comprehensive product and packaging narratives to drive innovation. They specialize in understanding consumer preferences and offer customized solutions for businesses. Curion Insights uses qualitative and quantitative insights to create dynamic strategies for their clients.


24. Highlight

  • Website: letshighlight.com
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States
  • Founded: 2021
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Latest funding type: Seed
  • LinkedIn

Highlight is an in-home product testing platform that streamlines the process of recruiting target consumers and collecting data. It helps companies create accurate product claims by gathering evidence from real people, gain insights about their target audience, and develop personalized campaigns and products. With Highlight, researchers can test and refine formulas, identify areas for improvement, and create products that resonate with consumers.


25. Syres

  • Website: syres.fr
  • Headquarters: Chavenay, Ile-De-France, France
  • Founded: 1997
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn

SYRES is an institute specialized in consumer testing and research. With over 2 million panelists worldwide, they offer qualitative and quantitative consumer tests, sensory analyses, and exploratory studies. They provide insights into consumer behavior, needs, and preferences. SYRES also operates the first cosmetic testing bar in Paris.


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