University of maine umaine will resesarch U.S. Consumer attitudes and preferences about maple syrup grades which can lead to improved educational programs marketing materials and the expansion of…

University of maine umaine will resesarch U.S. Consumer attitudes and preferences about maple syrup grades which can lead to improved educational programs marketing materials and the expansion of domestic sales and revenue opportunities while preserving rural jobs. Researchers will lead this sensory evaluation study of the four grade a maple syrup classes by 100 consumers at each of four test sites maine illinois arkansas and california. Partner and subrecipient organizations possess previous experience collaborating with umaine and will assist with consumer testing. The project team will deliver a free finding report and an interactive data visualization tool for maple syrup producers. Providing producers and distributors with data on consumer tastes perceptions and preferences of the four grades of maple syrup will allow them to tailor sales and market plans pricing strategies and advertising materials consistent with consumer needs. Surveys will be sent to maple businesses before and after the sensory data tools release to assess the informations impact. Replacing typical supplydriven decision making with marketdriven planning and execution will lead to an expansion of markets and improved revenue and profit margins.