Published in Scientific Papers. Series "Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and rural development", Vol. 22 ISSUE 2
Written by Peter ŠEDÍK, Cristina Bianca POCOL, Kristína PREDANÓCYOVÁ

Honey consumption has started to increase in recent years in Romania, according to statistics. In this context, the main objective of the paper was to study consumer behaviour and sensory perception of honey by Romanian young segment. The research was based on blind sensory testing of two honey samples (one commercial sample with country of origin indicated as “Blend of EU and non-EU honeys” and one from a local Romanian beekeeper). The sensory analysis was complemented with a questionnaire survey. In total, 100 university students from Cluj region participated. The results showed that the majority of participants consume honey only occasionally and their annual consumption is lower than 1 kg. Honey is mostly used as sweetener in beverages (tea, lemonades). The most preferred type of honey is acacia, followed by linden honey. Sensory testing showed that young people perceived the quality of honey and their preference by using mostly the taste. In addition, interesting results were acquired by respondents which decision was based also on aroma. Almost 83% of them indicated preference for honey from Romanian beekeeper.

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