China's Brands: Damaged Goods

Food and toy recalls have created an image problem for other mainland exporters

BusinessWeek, September 24, 2007 — Made in China. Those three words are shaping up to be a marketer's worst nightmare. After a year of massive toy recalls, tainted toothpaste scares, and poisonous pet food incidents, consumers around the globe are thinking twice—or more—before buying Chinese-made goods. Indeed, in a new survey of marketing and business professionals worldwide, 69% of respondents said the phrase "Made in China" hurts mainland brands.