Sensory research programs
| Service | Nonmember rate | WTSA member rate |
|---|---|---|
| Sensory Field Guide and ArchiveUp to 25 ingredients: expert flavor and aroma profiles, seasons, safety flags, nutrition values, searchable online | $20,000 | $10,000 |
| Trained panel set-upProtocol, screening tests, recruiting 10–12 panelists, control room and software set-up | $24,000 | $18,000 |
| Panel training8–10 sessions until panelists score consistently against references | $20,000 | $15,000 |
| Panel scoring session4–6 samples scored against references, with repeatability statistics | $3,000per session | $2,500per session |
| Market program designStudy design, digital screening plan, consumer sittings, partner coordination | $30,000 | $25,000 |
Research services
| Service | Nonmember rate | WTSA member rate |
|---|---|---|
| Focus group or co-creation labModeration, discussion guide and analysis | $12,000per group | $10,000per group |
| In-depth interviews10–15 interviews with analysis | $12,000 | $10,000 |
| Insight report or opportunity mapFindings, implications and recommendations | $6,000 | $5,000 |
| Expert consultationTest method, sample size, questionnaire design, statistics, blinding, serving | $350per hour | $300per hour |
| Crossmodal studies, ethnography, remote sensory testing, diary studiesScoped to your goals | Quoted per study | Quoted per study |
Standards and education
| Service | Nonmember rate | WTSA member rate |
|---|---|---|
| Sensory lexicon development60–80 ingredients, reference standards, panel validation, peer-review submission support | $150,000 | $135,000 |
| Regional palate mapping and model validationProfile method for comparing regions, validation of predictive models against panel scores | $105,000 | $95,000 |
| Education and certification programPanel leader curriculum, assessor certification, executive education; 12-month term | $10,500per month | $9,500per month |
- All fees in USD and cover WTSA expert time. Recruiting, participant incentives, samples, reference materials, software licences, venue, lab work and travel are billed at cost, approved in writing first.
- Programs using partner organizations carry a 15% management fee on partner costs.
- Member rates apply to organizations with an active WTSA membership at signing.
- Research fees support WTSA’s research, education and advocacy programs as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
- Rates effective October 2026 and subject to change. Every engagement is confirmed in a written statement of work.