Rogers Case

At Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker, Jim Harris was the COO (chief operation officer) and was with the company for about 18 months and was observing the increased demand for their chocolate. “America’s finest dark chocolate” company wanted to increase production by equipping factories with new machineries and equipment but did not want any difference in the taste of the chocolates they produced. As the company totally agrees on not compromising the taste of chocolates and increase the production in order to meet the rising demand for their chocolates they should probably get into customizing chocolates blend for the mass-market retailer in order to grab huge market share, increase accessibility of the chocolate to customers and provide variety of choice to the customers by maintaining the taste they are known for. As the demand is increasing from 50%, 100%, to 150% by the start of 2006, Harris has to make a significant decision in order to invest Scharffen’s capital budget in expansion of the Company. Harris is recommended to acquire the required machinery in order to fasten the production and increase the capacity of the plant and should be careful about the quantity to be produced as the acquiring of machinery will increase productivity multiple times but the initial demand for

Hershey’s and Cadburys are moving towards the premium chocolate market through the acquisition or upmarket launches (Zietsma, 2007). The profit potential present in this sector supported by its 20% annual growth rate make it very attractive for large organizations to come forward and avail this opportunity. There is a low threat of new entrants prevailing in this chocolate industry because of the high capital requirements and expected retaliation by current manufacturers. Current players in the industry also possess some barriers to entry for new entrants by maintaining economies of scales with their large production capacity and keeping their product differentiation with their specialized and novelty chocolate products. Even though there are low switching costs and easy access to distribution channels, but still the brand loyalty of the customers including the Rogers’ Chocolate itself make it harder for new firms to come into the competition.

There are two chief participants in this case study, Paul Mackay and Jackie Patrick. Mackay, a sole proprietor of Lawsons (a general merchandising retail site in Riverdale, Ontario), has approached the Commercial Bank of Ontario in order to acquire an additional $194, 000 bank loan and a $26,000 line of Credit. Patrick, a first time loans officer, has been appointed to Mackay’s request. As such

This reading is about a case happened in 1988 and arguments of the case based on different points of view.

Research has proved that humans have been consuming cocoa for over 2600 years from once upon a time being used as currency to becoming serious pirate loot to being the key ingredient along with sugar in producing chocolate today.

Moreover, consumers and employees are also demanding chocolate companies to follow good corporate social responsibility practices in addressing the environmental concerns in terms of how to design its packaging, procurement and operational decisions. Human rights concerns are also high in terms of consumer expectations of chocolate companies with respect of forced child labour in West Africa. All of these driving forces - societal concerns, attitudes and change in lifestyles, are strong enough to shape up the competition and impose the constraint on chocolate industry profitability and competitive survival.

The premium chocolate market has been growing at 20% annually, showing that buyers are willing to pay more for a better tasting and better quality chocolate. The declining growth of the overall chocolate market and rapid growth of the premium chocolate market is positive for current producers of premium chocolates in that the decline

Together with the usage of green sources to power the factory, these factors raise up the prices of a chocolate bar to the average of $5. It enhances the brand’s value and good image in people’s observation. Even though their prices are more expensive than other competitors’ prices, Theo still has a loyal following of organic chocolate customers. However, it does a very little traditional advertising. Therefore, in order to maintain the loyal customers and attract new consumers, Theo Chocolate is partnering with local and non-profit organizations that promote their company. Joseph Whinney understands that “Having the ingredients and the quality of the product is the most important thing. And then Fair Trade is the secondary message” (Lindell, par. 19), people concern about the taste, the quality, and the organic food. Besides that, Joe believes that people also care about how a company treats its employees and decide whether they wan to to do business with that company or not. Therefore, combining the two strategies is a good way for Theo to promote itself and build brand value inside customers’ minds.

As of October 2012, Andrea Torres, director of new product development at Montreaux Chocolate USA, needs to recommend whether or not the company should pursue a new product launch in the United States. The new product, a 70% cocoa dark chocolate with fruit product, has been tested because of “its heightened revenue potential, better alignment with health and wellness initiatives, and strong consumer acceptance of the proposition” (Quelch 7). This memo will address the

It has continuously adopted differentiate strategy to differentiate and introduces various product variation to keep itself best brand and customers choices from its competitor mainly Pepsi company. It has partnered with various vendors and company to continue on innovation and customize its product packing.

“Dark, earthy, natural, intense.” These four words can be used to describe almost any aspect of Pana Chocolate’s range of raw, organic, handmade chocolate bars. The brand, founded in Melbourne, offers a range of chocolates available in the health food section at supermarkets that appeal to a range of consumers needs, being ethically produced, raw, organic, dairy, soy, egg and refined sugar free, vegan, and made from all natural ingredients (Pana Chocolate, 2017). Priced at $7.95 on their website (http://www.panachocolate.com), they are on the higher-end scale of the standard chocolate market, however the product oozes luxury throughout and lives up to it’s higher price point. This report will focus on the marketing implications of the packaging design choices made by Pana Chocolate in regards to this range of products.

As given in the research in the target group of 45-64 yrs., 38% of them prefer pieces of chocolates in USA. So knowing this figure the Montreaux should create pieces of chocolates as well other than the bars and candies. Also like about 57% are target market is female so different and fancy shapes like hearts and diamonds too would attract the customers.

After a thorough analysis of Apollo Foods business situation, a decision plan regarding the launch of a new chocolate product for its new branch acquisition Montreaux Chocolate USA has become clear. This decision plan is based on the following key challenges and marketing issues that need to be addressed. These challenges and marketing issues can be best summed up by a decision on what brand the product will be home to, whom the product will be marketed to, the ingredients and formulation of the product, the packaging of the product, can the product perform well enough in a sales forecast plan to exceed a $30 million dollar hurdle rate, and finally to launch or to test market the product. After reviewing Apollo Food’s data, their market research findings, and sales forecasts. A decision plan that addresses all of the key issues and marketing points has been created and will be

Some of the critical strengths of Cowgirl Chocolates that determine the success of this small business include product differentiation, quality, flexible return policy, and personalization. Cowgirl Chocolates is very modern creation since it meets the needs of a specific market of spicy and chocolate fans by combining both cayenne, a spice, and chocolate, a sweetener. The business also is known for using premium ingredients in all of the chocolates it offers. The business not only offers a flexible return

The natural environment involves Cocoa beans that are needed by Whittaker’s to produce their chocolate products. Over the next few years, the world is expected to face a chocolate ‘drought’, leading to soaring prices of cocoa beans due to insufficient consumable cocoa to chocolate manufacturers. (Western farm press, 2011)