Procter and Gamble

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’

The biggest impediment is that the Clorox enters an already existing market and the dominant market leader, PUR, has well developed its “PUR Ultimate” system. Moreover Procter & Gamble are about to take control over PUR. It is also likely that the sale of

So her specific task was to prepare a marketing plan for P&G mouthwash business for the next 3 years. In preparing the 3 year plan for Scope, a team has been formed within P&G to examine various options, the team included individuals from product development, manufacturing, sales, finance, market research and advertising operations. The team was faced by two options that are: 1- Launching a new line extension positioned against Plax as a recent entry into the market. 2- Looking at claims other than “breath” that might be used by scope such as plaque reduction.

The mouthwash market had grown on an average increase of 3% per year for 12 years. Then in 1987, with the introduction of new flavors it shot up 26%, and after that it continued at a steady increase of 5% per year. Originally, Listerine was the market leader. It positioned itself as a germ killing mouthwash that eliminated bad breath. Scope was introduced in 1967 as a green, mint-tasting mouthwash that was mouth refreshing and provided bad breath protection. Scope branded itself not only protection to bad breath, but also that it tasted better than the other mouthwashes available. Competitors of Scope

In studying the current situation and preparing for a strategic plan, Gwen Hearst reviewed the available information for the mouthwash market and Scope.

This mouthwash market was initially developed by Warner-Lambert being pioneered by brand Listerine. In 1977 Warmer-Lambert launched Listermint mouthwash as a direct competitor to Scope. Before 1987 the mouthwash market was continuously growing on average of 3 percent per year, in 1987 the market experienced a 26 percent increase after the introduction of new flavor. In 1976 Scope was the leader in the Canadian market.

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’

As seen in exhibit 2 as well, the company’s unit share and dollar share steadily increased minimally from 2005 to 2007. Unit share increased from 21% to 21.3%, while dollar share increased from 15.7% to 16.1%. Similarly, US sales increased in HPL’s Target Markets for skin care, oral hygiene, personal hygiene, and hand and body care from 2003 to 2007, making the package more appealing to the company. With HPL’s sales into its retail channels increasing from 2003 to 2007, in addition to the increase in sales, label shares, and such aspects as revenue, it is evident that the company’s financial performance for the past few years has been favorable.

Q1) What is the industry attractiveness like in 1997? Has it changed in recent years?

2) Based on your understanding of the situation and the market research data, what is L'Oreal's problem?

In the United States, research was done and new bottling was designed to optimize the appearance of the new toothpaste. The advertising was also focused on the freshness that result from the

Culture has progressed with many consumer merchandises that have become necessities and transformed into the day-to-day routines of society without having to think twice about it. CP or Colgate-Palmolive, is an icon for the personal hygiene industry throughout the United States, and as a worldwide company has positioned the brand as a most important home care in multiple foreign countries.The CMF line is CP’s most popular brand. The brand was a huge hit because of its individuality and the value that it crafted for consumers was astonishing. Colgate Max combined a new breath-strip and a mixture of therapeutics’, which added to more

product segments – Oral, Personal and Home Care; and Pet Nutrition. The company operates in more than 200 countries and this geographic diversity and balance help to reduce the Company’s exposure to businesses and other risks in any one country or part of the world. The company’s main competitors are Proctor & Gamble (PG), Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), Church Dwight & Company (CHD) and Clorox & Company (CLX).

Could you identify any product systems in this product mix? Is the toothpaste considered a shopping, specialty or convenience product? At what conditions, could this product considered a business product? With respect to Scope, do you consider it a "star" or "cash cow"? Why? With respect to the product life cycle of scope, what is the current status of the product? What is your marketing advice at this particular product life cycle stage?

By increasing successful and ideal operations and strengthening relationships with their customers, companies existing in this market diminish the significance of threat over newly accepted competitors. Toothpaste companies are still growing strongly, therefore additional firms are trying to enter the market to benefit from the increasing profits. However, most toothpaste companies have already made their name and their customers stay loyal to their brand, therefore it is hard to get into this market. With toothpaste being such a popular item and an essential in households,