Sensory properties, purchase attributes and usages of date-syrup by expatriate consumers in Oman

In general, the research on consumer's preferences for date-syrup is scarce. Knowing and incorporating consumer's preferences in the development and promotion of date syrup is crucial for developing a world market for date syrup. The present study was conducted to investigate the sensory properties, purchase attributes and usages of date-syrup among the expatriate consumers in Oman. A total of 140 expatriate consumers, from various ethnical and regional backgrounds, participated in this study. The results showed that the preferred sensory properties among expatriate consumers were the best tasting, least thick and moderately sweet date-syrup. The main uses of date-syrup included as toppings on ice cream, toast, bagel, waffle and pancake. The purchase attributes were mainly based on taste, no added sugar, reasonable price and good packaging. The results indicated that the consumers of different ethnical backgrounds and coming from different regions of the world had different preferences for purchase-related attributes.