Process vs. Product in down times who has the advantage?

I don't know what made this idea pop into my mind, but I just woke up with it this morning... In down times, what is more important; the Process or the Product? In a sense, only time will tell. Companies with a strong product will last for awhile, they have a wave they're riding, but will eventually get caught and be washed out to sea with the rest of the failed products out there (like my sea analogy?).

Companies who have a solid process behind their product maybe slimming things down, but will make it through this economic climate. They have always been about basics and aren't stumbling trying to get back to basics. Now what products and companies might I be thinking about you ask? Well, because I am currently working for an apparel company and I don't want to step on any toes and that is all my mind goes to these days... I thought I would pose the question to you.

What companies and/or products have you experienced recently that have really caught your mind, good or bad, because of the process behind them? That then begs another question, do you know the process behind the products you use, and if so does that change how you feel about them?

If nothing else, let this post make you a more conscious consumer by starting to let your mind wander about a company and its product and whether your hard earned dollars should be rewarding them.