Automatic cell references based on similar text values in adjacent column

Hi,

I have a large database resembling the image below, with instances of similar text values in one column and a corresponding numerical column next to it. I am trying to modify the numerical column such that when I edit one numerical cell, all cells in the same column with similar (not identical) adjacent text values inherit the same value (e.g. green cells). The challenges are:

1. Similar text values = contains same starting phrase (e.g. Apple - Green is matched with Apple - Green and Big, but not Apple - Red)
2. I can't use color coding for the numerical column per the image below, because the spreadsheet is already color coded for other purposes.

I've thought of creating a separate worksheet that would automatically populate itself with text values (in alphabetical order) from the equivalent of Column B in the main database worksheet. The second worksheet would then contain user-inputted numerical cells, to which the numerical cells in the main database worksheet would refer.

Any advise on creating a solution for this would be greatly appreciated.

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