Question

Which of the following, if true, casts the most doubt on the effectiveness of the solution proposed above?

• A. In many American countries, satisfactory taste and low-cholesterol content are believed to be entirely contradictory.
• B. The market for oils such as coconut and palm has been slowly shrinking in many American countries due to the emergence of specialized cholesterol-free oils.
• C. Company Slim-fit could only feasibly maintain such a marketing budget for 10 to 12 months before scaling down the campaign.
• D. After Company Slim-fit attempted a similar marketing strategy in South Asia, the sales of the new product greatly increased.
• E. In California, the new low-cholesterol oil substitute achieved a market share of 10% within the first year – without any massive marketing campaign.

Hint:

When evaluating the effectiveness of a solution, consider whether there are underlying consumer beliefs or market trends that may undermine the strategy.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understand the context of the passage.
The passage talks about Slim-fit's attempt to market a low-cholesterol oil substitute with a substantial budget, facing a lack of market share. The solution involved a re-release with a substantial marketing budget. The question asks about factors that would cast doubt on this solution’s effectiveness.
Step 2: Analysis of options.
- (A) In many American countries, satisfactory taste and low-cholesterol content are believed to be entirely contradictory: Correct. If consumers believe that low-cholesterol oil does not taste as good as regular oil, they may be less likely to purchase it, undermining the effectiveness of Slim-fit’s re-release strategy.
- (B) The market for oils such as coconut and palm has been slowly shrinking in many American countries due to the emergence of specialized cholesterol-free oils: This is unrelated to Slim-fit's low-cholesterol oil substitute, as it focuses on a different market trend.
- (C) Company Slim-fit could only feasibly maintain such a marketing budget for 10 to 12 months before scaling down the campaign: This is an operational constraint but does not directly address the effectiveness of the proposed solution, which is about market reception.
- (D) After Company Slim-fit attempted a similar marketing strategy in South Asia, the sales of the new product greatly increased: This suggests success in another market but does not imply that the strategy will be equally effective in the American market.
- (E) In California, the new low-cholesterol oil substitute achieved a market share of 10% within the first year – without any massive marketing campaign: This shows success but does not help to question the effectiveness of the re-release in the broader American market.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (A) because it directly challenges the potential success of Slim-fit’s marketing strategy by highlighting a critical consumer belief about the product’s taste.