The second test of a bio-based product was conducted in collaboration with the small company Fermentarnica, which produces vegan cheeses and spreads from cashew nuts, vegan butter and fermented vegetables. We focused on their new product in development, a fermented soya spread made from local ingredients. The aim of our testing was to refine the flavour, texture and appearance of the product while evaluating its market acceptance. The focus group consisted of vegans, people experimenting with a vegan diet, people avoiding dairy products and omnivores interested in plant-based options. Therefore, the test was conducted at Slovenia’s largest vegan festival – Vegafest. Visitors to the stand took part in a tasting and informal discussions, gave feedback on the new product and contributed with suggestions for improving a new fermented soya spread. The stand also served as a point of sale for already established Fermentarnica products. The number of visitors to the stand fluctuated, meaning that in-depth conversations were only possible during the quieter periods when topics such as veganism and soya production were discussed. Otherwise, we provided both physical and digital questionnaires that varied in length to accommodate visitors’ time and capture their impressions, habits and evaluations. The insights gained were deemed valuable by the Fermentarnica representative and will help guide future product development and market positioning.
