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Previous studies have shown that consumers with higher affect intensity expressed stronger preferences for softer car seat fabrics (Kergoat et al.). The present research aims to consolidate and expand these results. Across two studies, we attempt to determine whether the intensity of affect (as measured by the affect intensity measure; Larsen) is a more general construct involved in soft textile preferences. Through the evaluation of two product categories (car seat fabrics and washed‐shirt fabrics) and the manipulation of product sensory attributes, we were able to establish that affect intensity components (positive intensity and negative reactivity) play a role in soft textile preferences, independent of the product category. The highest predictive value of particular affect intensity components for softness preference is discussed in line with the multidimensional approach of the affect intensity construct (Bryant et al.). PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS This research highlights the significance of one emotional individual difference dimension (affect intensity) accounting for consumer tactile sensory preferences. Practically, it offers a way to characterize clusters of heterogeneous tactile sensory preferences observed in consumer tests. Furthermore, it represents a step in the understanding of underlying processes involved in soft tactile sensory preferences. We can assume these implications are not limited to the sense of touch and/or non‐food products. As a general emotional variable, the affect intensity construct must play a role in various blind sensory evaluation settings and be a significant tool for a typology of consumers.

We present in this paper the advantages of the latent class vector model approach in the analysis of preference ratings. We illustrate the practical application of this methodology on the basis of a preference study of smoked salmons in European countries. A set of 30 samples was selected spanning the characteristic variability of cold-smoked salmon available in six European countries (Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom). Consumers from the main countries of consumption (Belgium, France, Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom) were asked to rate the acceptability of each product. A quantitative descriptive analysis with a trained panel and physical and chemical measurements of smoked salmons were also conducted. Using a latent class vector model approach, it was possible to identify different classes of homogeneous preferences. Each of these classes was characterised by the country of origin of the consumers, sensory descriptions and the physical and chemical properties of the products.

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