What is the first phase of the product life cycle?

The correct phase that marks the beginning of the product life cycle is the introduction phase. This initial stage is where a new product is launched into the market after being developed. During the introduction phase, the focus is on creating awareness and generating interest among potential customers. Companies often invest heavily in marketing and promotion to establish a foothold in the market and entice early adopters.

The introduction phase is characterized by several key activities, including product testing, market research, and gathering feedback to refine the product offering. Sales during this phase are typically low, as the product is just starting to enter the market. However, it is crucial for setting the stage for subsequent growth and acceptance of the product.

The other options, such as growth, maturity, and development, represent different stages in the product life cycle. The growth phase follows the introduction, where sales increase as the product gains traction. Maturity represents a period of stabilization in sales, and development is often not categorized in the product life cycle as it describes the earlier stage of creating or refining a product before it is introduced to the market.