Consumer acceptance of new apple varieties in the German-speaking and in the French-speaking part of Switzerland

For a long time, the research station Agroscope Changins-Wädenswil ACW has been breeding new apple varieties. High quality varieties are developed which are resistant and tolerant to diseases and which need a minimum of plant protection. Two new selections, ACW 6375 and ACW 11907, are candidates for being introduced on the market. Therefore, two consumer tests were performed, one in the German-speaking part of Switzerland and one in the French-speaking part, in order to investigate how these varieties are evaluated visually and sensorially by the consumers. In addition, sociodemographic data, frequency of fruit consumption and flavor-preferences were examined. Results show that the new selections are comparable to established cultivars. Similar flavor preferences in both regions are illustrated. The flavor of the fruit is the attribute that mostly affects the overall sensory judgement. Once again, the importance of the ripeness of an apple is highlighted. Flavorless and floury apples are rejected by customers.