Acceptability of Bilimbi (Averrhoa Bilimbi) Candy

Abstract

The study has been conducted to determine the acceptability of Bilimbi Candy. The product testing was participated by 120 respondents. The benchmark test was evaluated by the researchers themselves together with 29 students of Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management and 10 faculty members. After the benchmark test, a pilot test was conducted to 40 students from the College of Business Management and Accountancy. After administering the pilot test, the researcherss conducted the final test which was then participated by 40 respondents of Eastern Samar State University Guiuan Campus. These respondents was composed of students and instructors who evaluated the characteristics of Bilimbi Candy in terms of taste, aroma, color, texture, appearance and general acceptability through the use of score cards. The result of the study revealed that the quality of the product was interpreted as highly acceptable in all 3 trials. Based on the findings of the study, the Bilimbi fruit, locally known in the Philippines as kamias in Tagalog/Filipino (National Language of the Philippines) and Iba in Waray –waray (Local dialect of Guiuan, Eastern Samar) is good to be used as flavoring for candy. The result of the study highly recommends that the local street vendors and candy manufacturers may add bilimbi fruit as one of the flavors for their products.

Keywords: Bilimbi Candy, Product Development, Product Innovation

JEL Classification: Z3, Z30, Z31, Z32