To develop a successful marketing plan for a soft drink, the process of ________ would most likely be used to group consumers on the basis of whether they prefer sugar-free and caffeine-free soda, caffeine-free sugared soda, or regular soda with sugar and caffeine.

A) market aggregation
B) product alignment
C) customer grouping
D) mass marketing
E) market segmentation

Market Segmentation

The process of dividing a broader market into smaller, distinct groups of consumers with similar needs, characteristics, or behaviors who might require separate products or marketing mixes.

Marketing Plan

A comprehensive document or blueprint that outlines advertising and marketing efforts for the coming year; it encompasses strategies, costs, and action steps.