Monopolistic Competition: Horizontal Vs. Vertical

It has been held in the United Brands case that product differentiation acts as a barrier to entry. Product differentiation is the development or incorporation of properties such as pricing, style etc. that the intended buyers of a product perceive to be different from others and therefore desirable. In the instant case the product differentiation has been made by different annual fee for licence of patented product.

In monopolistic competition, there are a relatively large number of firms, not the thousands of firms as in pure competition. The monopolistically competitive firms produce differentiated products, not the standardized products of pure competition. Product differentiation means that monopolistic competitors engage in some price competition because they have some limited “price making” ability based on the less elastic demand for their particular product. This demand, however, is more elastic than the demand for monopolists’ products. Monopolistic competitors, unlike most

differentiation through superior quality of its commoditized low price products whereas a true differentiation strategy is characterized by the creation of a unique product for which a premium price can be charged. Q. 2. In order to implement a

In differentiation strategies, the emphasis is on creating value through sustainable uniqueness. This can be achieved through product innovations, superior quality, or superior service, which is then sustained and leveraged through creative advertising; brand-building and strong supply chain relationships. Another requirement for a successful differentiation strategy is that customers must be willing to pay more for the uniqueness of a product or service than the firm paid to create it. A differentiation strategy will lead to higher firm performance only if buyers value the attributes that make a product or service unique enough to pay a higher price for it or if they choose to buy from that firm preferentially. If

Coca-Cola and PepsiCo compete at length with each other among an extensive list of other brands. A key concern for both of these companies in 2011 was their capability to market, produce, and distribute across national boundaries of a single nation. This concern has decreased as both companies were able to push though their limitations and were able to establish manufacturing plants in countries across the globe. (Coca Cola Company, 2011)

Differentiation can be achieved in a variety of ways: unusual features, responsive customer service, rapid product innovations, technological leadership, perceived prestige and status, appeal to different tastes, and engineering design and performance. Methods of controlling costs, however, may be limited. The ability to price differentiated products competitively will be important for reducing upward pressure on customer prices so that they do not exceed the level customers are willing to

Many companies have tried to compete with Coca-Cola in the “cola wars” in many countries especially in the United States. One of the company’s longest competitors is PepsiCo but Coca-Cola had recognized additional market potential and tried to dominate the international market to become the leading company in the global soft-drink industry. Despite the many competitors, Coca-Cola is considered as the third highest brand value globally amounting to $79.2 billion (Schweizer, 2013).

In this modern era, big firms are facing stiff competition as they come up with more and more products with their own special trademarks to distinguish themselves. Such competition is called monopolistic competition where all firms produce similar yet not perfectly substitutable products. There is no restriction as any firms are able to enter the industry as long as the profit generated is enough the cover the initial cost and earnings. Each firms have their own flair and attraction to stand its own ground it the market. Monopolistic competition differs from perfect competition as production cost is not as issue. Because of this, firms are usually left with excess production. (Investopedia, n.d.)

Coca-Cola Company has realized significant growth since its establishment to become a global leader in the marketing, manufacturing, and distribution of syrup and soft drinks. Out of the four generic strategies, the company has followed the differentiation strategy to make its products unique in the market. Its interest is to maximize the market share through the development of the most innovative products and the establishment of effective strategies to influence the customer’s decisions. In such a way, the company has integrated various strategies to ensure that desirable results are attained in the market. Its strategic choices align with the differentiation strategy in an attempt to make its products unique and meet diverse market requirements. To reduce its weaknesses, the company should consider exploiting key opportunities in the market including venturing in the packaging of water, promotion of new brands, and launching of healthy products. In particular, the vision and mission statement of Coca-Cola seems to have reconfirmed and changed in this process of company’s strategic analysis.

➢ Product differentiation - Products that are relatively the same will compete based on price. Brand identification can reduce rivalry.

In 1886, the Coca Cola Company was developed but it wasn't until 1898 that the fierce competitor Pepsi-Cola entered into the market. These 2 companies are the two major players that dominate the consumer beverage (soft-drink) industry. Coke and Pepsi have since been competing to rein the global market in consumer beverages. The market of drinks in the United States alone is valued at more than thirty million dollars annually. With the growth of these two companies, PepsiCo has developed and acquired additional products outside the scope of just the consumer beverage industry, these products have helped the company to increase their exposure and position in the global market. This has not been the case for the Coca Cola Company; they

Coca-Cola and PepsiCo compete at length with each other among an extensive list of other brands. A key concern for both of these companies in 2011 was their capability to market, produce, and distribute across national boundaries of a single nation. This concern has decreased as both companies were able to push though their limitations and were able to establish manufacturing plants in countries across the globe. (Coca Cola Company, 2011)

The Coca Cola company is perceived to be the most famous trademark on the globe, and it is equally so. The company claims more than 400 brands that appeal to a wide range of individuals throughout the world. They are in a position to fulfill needs of every one of their buyers making their experience with their beverages a better one. The entity’s drinks entice a lot of people across all races, age, and gender. Coca Cola is outstanding for its overall popularity as its items are sold in over four hundred countries in the world, while major contenders like Pepsi are just available in very few countries. Such a competitive advantage has placed

A company must be in tune with what consumers want. Consumers get bored, and often want new products. In order to meet the wants and needs of customers a company must introduce new products or services (Bateman &Snell, 2003). Coca-Cola, in an effort to meet customer's needs, created C2 which is a low carb soft drink. This was in response to the low carb diets and the demands of consumers. They also intend to launch a new soft drink called Coca-Cola Zero. This is a zero calorie soft drink. Knowing the importance of innovation the Coca-Cola Company has always strived to create new products. They already have Coke with Lime, Lemon, Vanilla and Cherry. Raspberry will be the new flavor added to Coke coming soon. They also have plans to sweeten Diet Coke with Splenda, a sugar substitute that is safe for

The global beverages industry is currently a low-growth market, with an expected compound annual growth rate of 5.7% between 2017 and 2025 (Grand View Research 2017). Additionally, the industry is quite saturated with firms that offer increasingly differentiated products. However, due to this low growth rate, companies have been engaging in price competition to gain competitive advantage and increase their market share. Nevertheless, Coca Cola is a dominant force in this market, controlling 40% of the industry, and is therefore at a low risk of losing its position.