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Analysis of Red Bull Distribution Channel

Good Essays

Comparative analysis of the distribution channels between Red Bull energy drink and major carbonated beverages
Issues, recommendations and their implications

SDM Section A
Anshul Sehgal – 10P010 Kayarat Ajit Krishnan – 10P023 Esha Sharma – 10P075 Jayant Bahel – 10P081 Mohit Ahuja – 10P090

Issue: Price volatility in Red Bull products being sold to retailers and wholesellers

Till 2009 Red Bull refrained from selling to wholesellers and used to sell the product to retailers at a single price. They relied heavily on store executions to get the necessary retail push. Since 2009, Red Bull has begun selling to wholesellers and began the practice of price cutting. The reasons for these changes in strategy was that the competition in …show more content…

Over a period of time, the category will grow to a point when it becomes viable for the company to take control of this aspect. They can work with The Narang Group to selectively take over some territories, while ensuring that their partner does not take a big hit on revenues. Eg. Nokia took over distribution in 50% of the areas HCL used to distribute in 2006 as part of the first initiative in setting up their own operations in India.

Currently, The Narang Group has presence in 78 cities with distribution in over 100,000 outlets. It has also a network of 150+ sub distributors. It’s not possible to set up a network of this scope in a short while, and hence the company must work with its partner to smoothen out the transition. Suggested channel structure –
Manufacturer (Red Bull, Austria)

Red Bull India

Distributors

Wholesalers

Retailers

Implications
Setting up a pan-India network would involve huge amount of effort and cost. Also, the extent of geographical coverage that The Narang Group has would have to be matched to ensure continued availability to the customers. Also, since The Narang Group is a big player and Red Bull is a premium product in its distribution portfolio, there is bound to be some resistance from them for this decision.

Issue: Below the Line promotions
Currently, Below the Line promotions are the responsibility of

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