About us

Taking sensory research to a global scale

Sense Test is a sensory analysis and market research laboratory dedicated to supporting product quality, development, and innovation through advanced sensory research and consumer insight.

Each year, we evaluate over 10,000 samples, manage more than 2,500 active projects, and work daily with 250+ trained tasters across 16 markets and 4 continents. We proudly support a global portfolio of more than 750 clients.

Our story

2000

Where It Started

Foundation of Sense Test, the first company in Portugal dedicated to Sensory
Analysis.

2002

Expansion

Expansion into Non-Food Analysis: Home Use Tests (HUT) for products such as Household and Skin Care.

2004

“Provar Portugal” Project

Brand Development Project “Provar Portugal”, promoting the intrinsic qualities of Portuguese products.

2005

New Segment

Launch of a new segment: Sensory testing with babies and children.

2008

Panel expansion

Panel expansion with the inclusion of senior panelists and creation of a dedicated Celiac panel.

2009

Sense Pet

Launch of Sense Pet: Perception studies with cats and dogs.

2010

Innovation on the Move

Launch of SenseBus, Portugal’s first mobile sensory analysis laboratory.

2011

Noveltec

Noveltec: R&D project focused on innovation and the development of new sensory methodologies.

2013

New Facilities

Opening of new laboratory facilities, equipped with 18 tasting booths for food
and non-food testing.

2014

Introduction of advanced sensory profiling techniques, including Eye Tracking, Conjoint Analysis, and Face Reader.

Recognition as one of the Top 10 Innovative SMEs in Portugal.

2015

Launch of the PhD Consortium Program.

2016

Participation in Legato (research project) and QuaLaty (R&D project).
Awarded Top 10 Innovation Company.

2017

MobFood Project: Innovation challenges in the agri-food sector.

2018

4Cs Project: Consumer Cross-Cultural Context studies.

2019

Innovative Projects

Partnership with Colab4Food – Collaborative Laboratory for Innovation in the
Food Industry.

Caviar – Specialized project focused on seafood products.
SusinChain – Alternative protein development initiative.

2020

Cleabel+ Project

Cleabel+ Project: Clean label food solutions.

2021

Transit Project: Training Network for Sustainable Technologies.

Achievement of ISO 9001 Certification (renewed in 2025).

2022

Sustainability

– Participation in the InsectERA project (insect protein valorization) and
integration into the Blue Bioeconomy Pact.

2023

Expansion

Expansion of Lisbon facilities.

2024

IPAC accreditation

IPAC accreditation for coffee sensory profiling.

2025

Key Milestones & Certifications

New IPAC accreditation and renewal of ISO 9001 Certification.

Mission, Vision & Values

Mission

Inspired by research, we aim to lead in innovation and excellence in all our processes and services.

vision

To become a global reference in sensory analysis and innovation—delivering precise, high-impact product evaluation solutions and ensuring consumer needs are always met.