Ethical Issues by Red Bull

• The Red Bull energy drink is a functional product developed especially for periods of increased mental and physical exertion.

Based on data obtained from limited English sources dated 2005 to 2010, energy drinks have become more popular among teenagers and young adults (Rath, 2012). SixWise.com’s (2008) article “What is really in a hot dog?” provided evidence that just because the product is purchased by the public does not automatically mean it is beneficial long term (Wyrick). This new craze of energy drinks has the world consuming them at a staggering rate. The debates concerning the effects among energy drink consumption in all age groups are real and impacts most of us in some shape or form. Some people will argue there are benefits found in some of the ingredients that enhance the psychological and physiological mental and cognitive performances such as

In today's world, the name Red Bull and the slogan "Red Bull Gives You Wings has been inscribed into the minds of consumers around the globe. The popular energy drink, which seems to have sky-rocketed in US as well as world-wide sales is no miracle drug, although it does seem that way by the overflowing demand. Known to many as a coffee substitute, Red Bull is able to give its buyers that extra push or burst of energy to keep their day going due to its increased amounts of caffeine, without the nasty aftertaste of coffee. No doubt its marketing strategies have made a massive impact on its increased sales, but at its start, it is no lie to call Red Bull a self-made success. In a time where everyone is

With countless reports of people being hospitalized after chugging down a Red Bull and other energy drinks, the company fails to warn possible customers of the energy drinks potential negative side-affects. And only focus on the glamorous up-side of Red Bull. By not telling the whole story, Red Bull Corporation trick anyone viewing ads about Red Bull. Which is especially important to note when most Red Bull consumers are teens and young adults. The negative consequences of drinking to many Red Bulls, are heart attack and comas to name a

Red Bull targets only a particular segment of market and therefore makes its product only available at those places where the target can be reached. The energy drink can be bought at colleges, supermarkets and is mainly associated to extreme sports. In particular, the energy drink has also known a tremendous success in India, where the segment is the fastest growing in the category, due to India’s youth centric population and fast urbanization. Red Bull was actually the brand that created energy drink category in India (Docstoc, April 2012).

These manufactures will grab young people attention who are in need to increase and improve their concentration, reaction speed, and emotional state; but they fail to acknowledge the side effect of their products, such as being very tired after several hours of “sugar rush”. An over dosage of Red Bull cause a twenty-eight years old man to have a heart attack (Richards), this incidents is one of many that prove to us that this dangerous products should be banned from super markets and other easily accessed places for younger generation.

This document is part of the requirements of the Foundations of marketing course, the University of Newcastle. It is the first part of the marketing plan for Red Bull, the leader of energy drinks market.

Red Bull energy drink competes in the Non-alcoholic drink market which could be the overall Food and Beverage market. ‘Red Bulls target market is young, on the go, who enjoy extreme sports and live an active nightlife, anywhere from 18-35’(Swartz,Jon).

"We are dedicated to uphold Red bull standards, while maintaining the leadership position I the energy drinks category when delivering superior customer service in a highly efficient and profitable manner. We create a culture where employees share best practices dedicated to coaching and developing our organization as an employer of choice"

Pepsi is a world famous carbonated soft drink made by American company PepsiCo. Its distinctive blue packaging makes a huge contrast with its long-time rival’s signature red packing, Coca-Cola. First introduced as 'Brad's Drink' in North Carolina, USA at 1893 before renaming to Pepsi at 1898, Pepsi has always trying to be the dominant brand in soft-drink market while completing with Coca-Cola, known as the Cola War, where the two brands used a series of television advertisements and marketing campaigns trying to get more influence in the soft-drink market among the consumers. Pepsi launched its new commercial advertisement ‘Live For Now Moments Anthem’ in April 2017, as a part of its previously launched Pepsi's first global campaign ‘Live For Now’ in April 2012. The protest-themed advertisement, however, not only was nowhere near Pepsi’s original expectation, but it causes a huge ethical issue, backlash and controversy that made Pepsi took down the advertisement and issue an apology in less than a few days.

Red Bull receives a lot of publicity throughout the media, mainly to do with health issues. This causes controversy over the drink, and is considered a weakness. The media often report that Red Bull is unhealthy and damages your body. The media often targets parents, telling them that it is harmful for teenagers and children. This being Red Bulls target market has a very negative impact on the company.

After seeing the success that Red Bull has got in the energy drinks market, new brands are entering this market. Hence, it is essential for Red Bull to make certain changes in its marketing, production and

Initially the Red Bull’s slogan was “Red Bull gives you wings”. Later on as the taste changed with the change of its ingredients. Earlier it was an energy drink and later it was functional energy drink. Mateschitz devised the brand positioning that Red Bull “Revitalizes Body and Mind” This phrase conveyed the tangible benefit of the product in an easy grasping manner. It meant that Red Bull can be drunk any time whether it was morning, noon, or night. Thus Red Bulls consumption was not limited to any occasion or activities.

Due to the fact that the industry is growing, other countries are now being emerged

1. Do you think Coca-Cola will surpass the scandals around the world like it did in the past?