The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) has secured accreditation from the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST) for its Foundation Level Introduction to Sensory Analysis course.

The accreditation confirms that the course meets the IFST Foundation Level sensory science syllabus and professional standards, and provides food and drink businesses in Northern Ireland with access to industry-recognised training.

The course was first delivered earlier this year at CAFRE's Loughry Campus in Cookstown. Delegates from across the food and drink sector took part.

Dr Elaine McMackin, Course Co-ordinator, said the college was pleased with feedback from the first cohort and that sensory science is becoming increasingly important for food businesses seeking to develop successful products, maintain quality standards and better understand consumer preferences.

The course covers principles of sensory evaluation, the role of human perception in food assessment, sensory testing methodologies, assessor recruitment and training, practical considerations for conducting sensory tests, and an introduction to sensory data interpretation.

The next course will take place at Loughry Campus on Wednesday 13 January 2027 as a full-day interactive training event. Delegates will have the opportunity to sit the IFST Foundation Level examination on Tuesday 19 January 2027.

Enrolment is limited to ten delegates. Registration is now open through the CAFRE website.