Essay about Kingsford Charcoal

Competitors: Our primary competitor is Heinz 57. They have a market share of 16%. The secondary competitors of our business are private labels. They have a market share of 14%. The rest of the competitors towards our company make up the 16% of the market share. A new rising competitor is Lawry’s with new product, steak sauce.

If Clorox does not restructure its portfolio mix and increase revenue contribution from the growing markets, it faces the risk of losing sales and its position in those markets. Using its current resources, Clorox needs to determine how to allocate those resources among its current brand portfolio. Equally important is determining whether to invest in new product lines or brands. Clorox also has to decide whether to expand into international markets or focus strictly on expanding its market share across its brands in the primary U.S. market. Asian, South American, and European markets offer potential for growth but the cost of expanding into these markets and the limited availability of financial resources pose concerns with respect to international expansion. Focus on growth versus profitability is another important strategic decision that needs to be addressed. Clorox projects flat sales for 2011, which is not a positive indicator for investors’

Grilling is engraved in American culture as well as a highly seasonal activity. Kingsford Charcoal is in the business of selling charcoal for grills. Even though Kingsford increased its market share in 2000, their forecast indicates they will not reach the initial revenue mark. With the charcoal market’s growth slowing, and the gas grill market gaining market share, Kingsford needs to revise its strategy, and their marketing mix to meet original expectations for itself and Clorox. The following report will identity the issues Kingsford faces in the market place and recommend actions to take to resolve these problems. First we will examine

In this case study, we will be analyzing the current position of how well Kingsford is within the marketplace and determine which of the issues are plausible causes in its drop in revenue. We will be creating a comprehensive strategy as well as a marketing plan to evaluate and adjust the matter at hand. First we will begin with identifying the issues and implementing a method to reemphasize the importance of marketing in the business. The goal is to create a marketing plan that will add value to Kingsford’s market share, sales, and profitability.

Currently, it has 2 products marketed under “Kingsford” brand name; Regular – “Blue Bag” and Instant – “Red Bag”. It enjoys steady revenue growth since 1980s, but sales statistics for FY2000 shows that there would be a drop in volume growth, which will have a major impact in its net profit. As a market leader, Kingsford maintains its market share, but the main concern will be the performance of entire charcoal category which declines in terms of shipping and penetration trends (Figure 1). The company has been practicing sales orientation, focusing to sustain market share within charcoal category and has been reducing advertising budget.

The goal of the promotional activity is to increase the sales and consumers consumption of the all charcoal category by optimizing merchandising, assortment, pricing and shelving. By example, within the merchandising, they

Kingsford had reduced its media spending from over $6 million in 1998 to a little over $1 million in 2000. Gas Grill increased its media spending during the same time period. * Reduction in Promotions: Royal Oak had contributed substantial funds towards merchandising opportunities at retailers such as temporary price reductions, features and displays. Kingsford’s merchandising in 2000 was consistent with that in 1999. * Weather Pattern: Precipitation and temperature comparison with 1999 showed a slight increase in rainfall in October through December 2000, coupled with major drop in temperatures. Cold weather reduced the opportunities for grilling occasions. * Lack of R&D: Kingsford was consistent with research and development and had spent $63 million since 1998. Kingsford’s research team not focused on how to overcome to Gas Grill. Lack of research on what makes the charcoal easy to use and require less preparation. These key problems cause the decline in the Sales. Let’s see what are the alternatives available to this key problems and how can we overcome with it. Some of the Key problems require funding, for example Media Advertising.

1. Describe the main challenges faced by brand managers Marcilie Smith Boyle and Allison Warren. Of what relevant trends should they be aware?

If you had a new asphalt driveway installed recently, you probably love its dark color and smooth surface. You can tell by looking at other driveways that the beauty of a new drive doesn't last forever. Exposure to the sun, rain, heavy vehicles, and temperature extremes causes fading and cracking. Wear and tear is inevitable, but with proper maintenance, you can keep your driveway looking nice and extend its life. Here are some things you can hire a contractor to do or do yourself.

In response to a loss of clientele to competitor firms, Ken Winston (C&B’s Boston Sales Office Director) assembled the five most successful salespeople into a Key Accounts Team (KAT). Having previously enjoyed the autonomy of selling a diverse array of products to their own clients, these five ‘Generalists’ would now ‘Specialize’ only in one specific

These transformative changes to the selling environment are ultimately forcing the salesperson to reengineer and rethink how they approach their business accounts. Failure in adapting to these changes can result in many adverse situations but ultimately revolves around ineffective team selling.

If Clorox does not restructure its portfolio mix and increase revenue contribution from the growing markets, it faces the risk of losing sales and its position in those markets. Using its current resources, Clorox needs to determine how to allocate those resources among its current brand portfolio. Equally important is determining whether to invest in new product lines or brands. Clorox also has to decide whether to expand into international markets or focus strictly on expanding its market share across its brands in the primary U.S. market. Asian, South American, and European markets offer potential for growth but the cost of expanding into these markets and the limited availability of financial resources pose concerns with respect to international expansion. Focus on growth versus profitability is another important strategic decision that needs to be addressed. Clorox projects flat sales for 2011, which is not a positive indicator for investors’

Both of these options are a demonstration of classic Game Theory behavior, both companies increasing expenses in an attempt to regain market share. Figure 4 shows how this action/reaction in the battle for market share works. When Unilever markedly increased their marketing expenditures in 2006, the result was a loss of market share and profit for P&G. Therefore, without knowing if Unilever is going to continue with a strong budget for marketing in 2007, P&G’s natural response is to consider also budgeting a strong increase in expenditures to hold onto current market share and profits and possibly even increasing both. Of course, the additional

This market study was based on the well-established Clorox Company which had originally started in 1913. In 2006, after the placement of the new CEO, the company had developed a strategic plan to position them for their 100th anniversary in 2013. The plan was titled “The Centennial Strategy” which focused on long-term accelerated growth and developed metrics to measure the success of the plan. The plan focused on accelerated sales growth which would come from extending existing brands to adjacent categories, entering new sales channels with its existing brands and increasing penetration in countries where Clorox already did business. The Clorox Company developed a “3D” structure consisting of desire, decide and delight. This

Kingsmen is formed with two words, ‘king’s’ and ‘men’ to give the idea of the clients being served by the company like how a king is served by its men. There are more than 1600 creative professionals and project managers in the company. This company owns over 870,000 sqft in 18 offices located worldwide. Its business segments include: research and design, retail and corporate Interiors,