Which of the following is an example of a product class?

A product class refers to a group of products that share similar attributes and serve a similar purpose. The example of fast-food restaurants represents a product class because it encompasses various establishments that provide quick, convenient meals to consumers, often featuring a limited menu focused on speed of service and affordability.

Each of the other examples, while they may represent categories of items, do not specifically encapsulate the broader concept of a product class in the same way. For instance, pizza restaurants and beverage brands are more specific types of establishments or products within the larger context of food service. Similarly, snack foods is a category, but it does not represent the operational characteristics and consumer experience associated with fast food as a whole. By identifying fast-food restaurants as a product class, we can examine their common marketing strategies, customer behaviors, and industry challenges, which is key to understanding consumer behavior in this sector.