A study by Newcastle medical researchers has found since the introduction of plain packaged cigarettes, many smokers are unable to identify the different brands.
The study took place before and after plain packaging was introduced and involved long-term smokers in the Hunter region.
The University of Newcastle study found the introduction of plain packaged cigarettes impacted smokers’ perception of how they taste.
Research associate Ashleigh Guillaumier says many smokers said all cigarettes now taste the same, showing the power branding has had on consumers.
“After plain packs hit the shelves they were saying that they’d noticed a deterioration in both the taste and the quality of their cigarettes,” he said.
“I think this study really shows the power of the branding and that’s one of the reasons why the tobacco industry fought so hard against the introduction of plain packs in Australia.”
15 Jul 2014
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-07-15/plain-packaging-leaves-smokers-with-bad-taste/5597860