Originally Posted by
chewybrian
You see two products on the shelf; same price, identical intended uses, ingredients, etc. You pick one--why?

You may choose the off brand if it a nickel less, but most won't. The real world demand curves for these two products are going to be very different, even if they are nearly identical in taste. The difference is largely attributable to advertising.
Advertising may affect the choice in which of the two similar products is purchased, it didn't create the demand for the product.