It's amazing how food culture has grown to such a standing that there are requirements for business owners to find food tasting facilities. This guide is designed to help you locate food tasting facilities information that will best accommodate your needs.

You know that you have a wonderful food product. Everyone who samples your food has wonderful things to say and seems to genuinely enjoy what you are offering. In order to have a true sense of all of the complexities that go into a proper review of food, an objective evaluation of your product is essential. You'll need to know food testing facilities basics:

1. Learn a little about food tasting facilities and what it is they do.
2. Find an appropriate food taste testing facility for your food products.
3. Learn how to find the right food tasting facility based on your geographic needs.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Obtain information about food tasting facilities, locations and the market research they provide

Food tasting facilities generally are part of much larger organizations that specialize in all types of market research. Your need for a food tasting facility really boils down to the professional analysis of the data received by the market research--taste testing.

I recommend: Food Business Resource has a sensory research section designed to meet all of the needs you may have for a food tasting facility. Herron Associates provides marketing and data analysis derived from their professional taste testing facility.

Get a food tasting facilities list

Food tasting facilities can actually be found in most parts of the country, classified as marketing and research firms. A local marketing firm may understand the audience if you are producing and selling niche food products for sale in your geographic region. On a national level, consider going with a larger research and marketing firm with national experience and influence.

I recommend: A state by state list of test kitchens is listed at Markets Directory's food tasting facilities directory, and may help you find food tasting facilities locations near you. GreenBook has a comprehensive list of marketing and research consulting groups, most likely one in your local area.

Use your very own food tasting facilities

Taste testing is the ultimate final exam for your food product. You need the feedback from people who taste your product, and you need a professional researcher and marketer to interpret the data in an objective manner. Hiring a marketing and research consultant to establish a local focus group may save your company thousands of dollars.

I recommend: Meczka Marketing/Research/Consulting has the industry background necessary to help you get started. Chamberlain Research Consultants has a wide range of services, and can custom design a research approach for you.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Plan to have a booth or display at a local event. Offer samples of your food product in return for the anonymous completion of a quick taste testing form. This informal survey will supplement the data you receive from food tasting facilities.