Confirmation/disconfirmation of consumers’ expectations about fresh and processed tropical fruit products

Summary This study investigates tropical fruit acceptance in terms of confirmation or disconfirmation of consumers’ general expectations. Consumers evaluated multiple product attributes before and after tasting five fresh and five processed tropical fruit products. Consumers’ general expectations were confirmed after tasting persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.) and cashew apple juice (Anacardium occidentale L.). Positive disconfirmation occurred after the consumption of cherimoya (Annona cherimola Mill.) and berrycactus jam (Myrtillocactus spp.) whereas expectations were negatively disconfirmed after consuming dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.), mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.), tree tomato (Solanum betaceum Cav.), açaí juice (Euterpe oleracea Mart.), baobob juice (Adansonia digitata L.) and tamarind jam (Tamarindus indica L.). Sensory experiences are demonstrated to greatly influence the acceptance and purchasing intention of tropical fruits and their products, as well as to affect consumers’ perceptions about the product’s health and nutritional benefits, in particular in cases where negative taste disconfirmation occurred.