Application of Multiple Factor Analysis in Sensory Studies of Food and Beverage Industry

Multiple factor analysis (MFA) is a method of multivariate statistical analysis that can be used to describe and summarize multi-group datasets with complex structures and sources. This method is closely related to the pinciple component analysis and has been widely used in the fields of food and beverage, cosmetics, epidemiology and ecology. This paper focuses on the theoretical basics and analyzing procedures of MFA. It also introduces recent research studies and using cases to summarize the application of MFA on projective mapping, napping, free choice profile, and consumer sensory liking driver exploration. It aims to provide guidance and reference for researchers in related fields.