The objective of the present study was to investigate the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) technique as an alternative to the ISO standard 11035 for the sensory characterization and consumer preference of coffee through External Preference Mapping (PREFMAP). The methodological context consisted in the generation of the sensory vocabulary applying the techniques ISO standard 11035 using a trained panel and AHP using an expert panel. PREFMAP was then carried out to explain the preference of coffee consumers according to the vocabularies generated. The results showed that the sensory vocabulary using AHP was similar to that obtained with ISO standard 11035 and the judgments of the panel of experts were consistent. The PRE-FMAP'S explained in a similar way the preference of coffee consumers. The use of the AHP technique is a new, reliable, and easy-to-execute alternative for the selection of sensory vocabulary for characterization and explanation of consumer preference. Practical ApplicationsThe Analytic Hierarchy Process technique is a reliable alternative for the selection of sensory attributes. The attributes are evaluated by paired comparison and, by mathematical procedure, the weight (W) of each attribute and sensory dimension is obtained. Consistency indicators are also included to support and validate panel judgments. This new proposal can be easily implemented at an industrial and academic level for the development of different sensometric investigations that require characterizing and analyzing the preference of consumers of different foods.

Background: External preference mapping is a powerful tool to explain consumer preference or rejection. Combining the technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) multicriteria analysis with rapid descriptive techniques can improve preference map (PREFMAP) results. This study was conducted to compare the PREFMAPs generated with rapid descriptive flash profile (FP), check-all-that-apply (CATA), and Napping® versus PREFMAPs constructed with FP-TOPSIS, CATA-TOPSIS, and Napping-TOPSIS.Results: Only 38.46%, 63.66%, and 42% of sensory attributes initially generated by FP, CATA, and Napping techniques respectively were considered for the determination of their weight W and allocation as positive or negative in the TOPSIS technique. The PREFMAPs constructed with FP-TOPSIS, CATA-TOPSIS, and Napping-TOPSIS presented a better explanation of the preference and rejection than the PREFMAPs directly generated with rapid sensory techniques. The results of the multiple factor analysis and coefficient Rv indicated similarities in the sensory vocabularies used after the TOPSIS technique. Conclusion:The combination of the TOPSIS technique with rapid sensory techniques is a reliable alternative for the construction of PREFMAPs in order to identify the sensory attributes responsible for preference and rejection of food products.

The objective of this paper was to demonstrate that the promotion of aquaculture clusters as a policy option for developing tilapia aquaculture in Mexico, resulting from glocal externalities as competitive advantages to the global market, is necessary to further develop the sector. The farmed tilapia clusters were described using data from the Veracruz Aquaculture Census, 2010. We then utilise three theories. Firstly, we focus on North (1955) and Krugman (1995) and find that Economic geography and localisation verified that conglomeration is a function of natural resources and population zones. Secondly, we investigate the Porter value system. Cluster competitive advantage was identified in water availability and water access, electric supply coverage, product presentation, and the local market. Thirdly, we apply the Altenburg and Meyer-Stamer (1999) model to identify cluster type, which classifies typology based on natural resource access and the inputs and technologies commercial balance. The Veracruz Tilapia cluster diagnostic showed an incipient development with remarked opportunity areas, where efforts should be directed, supported by a cluster strategy. However, Mexico and the Port city of Veracruz should diversify their economy. We conclude that adopting a cluster strategy for aquaculture is necessary in Mexico to both increase global competitiveness and to supply the local market.