CLT (Central Location Test)

Also known as: Central Location Test, In-Hall Test, Controlled Environment Test

Research where consumers are invited to a controlled location to evaluate products under standardized conditions.

The Central Location Test (CLT) is a research methodology where consumers are invited to a controlled location—a research facility, commercial space, or specially equipped area—to evaluate products under standardized conditions supervised by the researcher.

Its advantages over the HUT: greater control of evaluation conditions, ability to evaluate multiple products in direct comparison, ability to include complementary stimuli (packaging, advertising), and data collected in real time with more structure.

It is the standard format for: taste and aroma tests in the food and beverage industry, product usability evaluations under controlled conditions, and sensory tests with trained panels.

Atlantia includes CLTs in its innovation and product test study portfolio.