Linda Ovington

Consumer demand for low-alcohol wine in an Australian sample

Background: The aim of this paper is to inform wine producers and marketers of those in the population who are interested in low-alcohol wine by describing the results of an Australian survey. Method: In the present study, 851 adult wine consumers completed an online questionnaire on their purchasing and consumption of wine, demographics, knowledge, and reasons for consuming wine. Reasons for consumption were defined using Brunner and Siegrist’s validated model. Self-reported interest in low-alcohol wine was used to determine the likely maximum possible market size. Results: The majority of respondents considered “low-alcohol wine” to contain around 3%–8% alcohol. Results indicated that those most likely to purchase low-alcohol wine were female and those who drink wine with food. Those who drank wine more frequently showed interest in wine sold in known-dose quantities, such as one standard drink. Reasons for preferring a low-alcohol wine included driving after drinking, to lessen the adverse effects of alcohol, and to consume more without the effects of a higher-alcohol wine. Finally, results pointed to the importance of taste as a driver of consumption. Conclusion: This is the first study to define the opportunity market for low-alcohol wine in Australia agnostic to intervening variables, thus defines the likely upper limit. Further, we showed what consumers currently define as low alcohol. Both of these findings allow wine companies to make a decision on the profitability of the low-alcohol market in Australia.

Dispositional Insight Scale: Development and Validation of a Tool That Measures Propensity Toward Insight In Problem Solving

This article reports the development of a brief self-report measure of dispositional insight problem solving, the Dispositional Insight Scale (DIS). From a representative Australian database, 1,069 adults (536 women and 533 men) completed an online questionnaire. An exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis revealed a 5-item scale, with all items loading onto a single factor. Internal consistency was acceptable with a Cronbach’s alpha of .74. The DIS showed convergent validity with other constructs that are theoretically related to insight: High need for cognition, intuition and positive affect. Normative data for the scale are also reported. The DIS appears to be useful for measuring a disposition toward insight in problem-solving.

Sensory profiles and consumer acceptance of different styles of Australian Moscato

Background and Aims In recent years, there has been significant growth in the popularity, and therefore sales, of Moscato in Australia. The aim of this study was to determine the sensory and quality variation amongst Australian Moscato wines, as well as consumer acceptance of different styles of Moscato. Methods and Results The sensory profile of 24 Australian Moscato wines was determined by descriptive analysis using a trained panel, while quality ratings were determined by an expert panel of sparkling winemakers and wine show judges. Statistical analysis of sensory attribute ratings facilitated selection of a subset of Moscato wines, comprising three white and three pink wine styles that reflected the sensory variation observed amongst all wines, which were subsequently used in acceptance trials to determine consumer liking. Conclusions Considerable diversity was observed amongst the composition and sensory profiles of the Moscato wines studied, with some exhibiting more prominent varietal characters, while others displayed complex, developed notes. Mean hedonic ratings for the subset of Moscato wines ranged from 4.7 to 5.6 (on a 9 cm scale). Segmentation of consumers according to their individual liking scores enabled identification of two consumer clusters with opposing preferences for distinct styles of Moscato. Significance of the Study The variation in sensory profiles and quality of Australian Moscato wines has been profiled for the first time and consumer acceptance of different styles of Moscato determined. These results enable industry to make more informed decisions with regard to wine production and marketing, that is, to tailor different styles of Moscato for specific segments of the domestic sparkling wine market.