An artificial neural network model for predicting flavour intensity in blackcurrant concentrates

Artificial neural networks (ANNs)-machine learning acquiring knowledge in training and using deduced relationships to predict responses - were studied to rationalise concentrate use in fruit drinks production. Sets of ANNs were developed for predicting flavour intensity in blackcurrant concentrates from gas chromatographic data on flavour components (37) in 133 sorbent extracts from blackcurrant concentrates varying in season, geographical origin and processing technology. Sensory data was collected using ratio scaling on flavour intensities in drinks from concentrates. Relationships between chromatographic and sensory data for concentrates of three seasons (1989, 1990 and 1992) were modelled by ANNs with back propagation using principal component regression scores as input. Predictions were compared with a global model from random concentrates from all three seasons. In predicting overall flavour intensity, ANN models were better fitted than partial least square regression. Ability of artificial neural networks to simulate non-linear relationships observed in human perceptions could explain such improvements. Crown Copyright (C) 2002 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.