Crisp, Nut & Snack
Zero2Five’s sensory testing services assist Peter’s in launching a new range
Caerphilly-based bakery Peter’s has unveiled a new line of Epic Rolls, backed by sensory testing conducted through the Welsh Government’s Project HELIX.
Peter’s has successfully launched its new Epic Rolls product line, benefiting from funding for sensory testing provided by the Welsh Government. This initiative is part of the Welsh Government-funded Project Helix, which supports food and drink companies in Wales.
The project, managed by three food centers under Food Innovation Wales, offers technical and commercial assistance to enhance the Welsh food sector. To develop their innovative snacking range, Peter’s sought help from the Zero2Five Food Industry Centre at Cardiff Metropolitan University for independent consumer research. Zero2Five’s sensory testing services assist Peter’s in launching a new range, designed to attract younger shoppers to the sausage roll category with exciting flavors like Cheese Burger, Lip Lickin’ Chicken, and Gravy and Smoky BBQ Pork.
Zero2Five combined its expertise in product development and sensory testing to conduct two consumer focus groups. These sessions evaluated shoppers’ habits regarding sausage rolls, assessed the Epic Roll concept’s appeal to various demographics, and gathered feedback on product appearance, taste, texture, and aroma. Additionally, Zero2Five’s sensory testing services assist Peter’s in launching a new range by providing tailored sensory training for Peter’s in-house taste panel, which regularly evaluates both new and existing products.
The feedback from consumers regarding the Epic Roll range was overwhelmingly positive, with 85% of focus group participants expressing interest in purchasing the product. Thanks to this successful research, Peter’s secured national listings for the Epic Rolls, which launched exclusively in all Iceland and Food Warehouse stores in August before expanding to other retailers in September.
Owain Jones, brand manager for Epic Rolls at Peter’s, stated: “Zero2Five’s sensory testing services assist Peter’s in launching a new range, clearly supporting our product development and giving us the confidence to push forward with our roll revolution. We were also able to leverage the research findings when presenting to retailers, who highly valued the independent insights and feedback.”
Professor David Lloyd, director of the Zero2Five Food Industry Centre, emphasized the importance of understanding target consumers when launching new food and drink products. He noted, “Through Project Helix, we offer comprehensive new product development support, including market insights, recipe development, sensory testing, and cooking validation. We encourage Welsh food and drink manufacturers to reach out to discuss the Welsh Government-funded support available to them.”