In this Third Edition of Sensory Evaluation Practices, the authors, Herbert Stone and Joel L. Sidel, draw from their extensive experience to provide readers with the back-ground and understanding necessary to make informed decisions about developing and managing a sensory program. In this edition, the authors provide more current information about the applications for sensory information and operating in a more expanded business environment.

In I974, Stone and Sidel founded Tragon Corporation, an important sensory and consulting company offering full-service consumer goods research. As a pioneering company in the field of sensory evaluation, Tragon has been able to offer unparalleled capabilities to its customers through the Quantitative Descriptive Analysis (QDA) sensory method, and Product Optimization (PROP) marketing and sensory modeling method, much greater insight into driving consumer purchase behavior.

Cumulatively, the authors have more than half a century of experience in the field of sensory evaluation and its business applications. In addition to founding Tragon Corporation, the authors have conducted domestic and international workshops; designed and analyzed, and reported on thousands of sensory tests; and have been consultants to the senior management of many major food and consumer products companies. In 2003, Herbert Stone was elected President (for the period 2003-2005) of the Institute of Food Technologists.