Marketing Report Bokomo Foods Essay

1.0. A incubate presenting mart info in order to inform a metric grain company Bokomo Ltd. To consider whether to expand more than in the coupled Kingdom market.2.0 Executive summary.This is a short report, containing marketing data on both the cereal grass market and a specific business, Bokomo UK. The data was obtained from secondary marketing research. Bokomos website was one of the of import reference guide. With the findings and compend, it was recommended that Bokomo should expand their own brand merchandises more in the UK.The PEST analysis of the UK grocery manufacturing included in this report was use to highlight the external factors that can affect Bokomos operation and interpret how these factors willing influence Bokomo.Furthermore, through the market analysis it was found that Kelloggs and Weetabix principal(prenominal)ly lead the cereal industry, followed by Nestle and Jordans. These companies subscribe to a wide range of brands object lensed at oppo site consumers, and they prolong customer loyalty, which can make it harder for newer companies to enter this sector. As mentioned before, in the cereal market there argon a sizable variety of targeted consumers like children, women, and families. The main key trends in the market are convenient snacks and consciousness towards health. Apart from that, own brand labels are overly gaining popularity as they project consumers the same product at a cheaper price.SWOT analysis allowed us to devise the companys internal analysis. Strengths included their well-know reputation and customers such(prenominal) as large food retailers (Tescos), to which they sell manufacture and packaging services. Weaknesses consist of the negative aspects the company faces, including their not household name, and general negative publicity they face in this difficult sector. Opportunities were devised from the friendly factors from the PEST analysis as changes in consumer tastes and trends are opportu nities were this company can benefit from by meeting those needs. These were alsoan important part of the report as it affected the final recommendations for the company. Threats included the financial recession and increasing levels of immigration.Bokomo Foods is a major cereal producer in the United Kingdom, established or so 80 years ago. Despite not being a household name, is a UK leading cereal maker and the company has achieved diversity by producing a range of own-label products. Furthermore, they manufacture branded products for large companies, as well as branded packaging services like Bag in Box, Pot or Pouch. All of these services are for leading retailers such as Tescos, Sainsburys and Morrisons, among many early(a)s.3.0 Introduction + Aim.This is a report whose engender is to present market data in order to inform Bokomo plc. a cereal company, whether further expansion in the UK market is beneficial at this beat. The report will identify and decompose the current business agency, using SWOT analysis, and review the macro scotch perspective of the general UK grocery industry using PEST analysis. The SWOT analysis will help us examine the specific company factors, as it is essential to understand these in order to relate them back to the PEST and market trends. two internal and external factors affect how Bokomo will proceed now and in the future.4.0 The grocery market environment PEST analysis4.1 PoliticalPolitical factors put one over a great influence on the analysis of external factors since they are determined by the degree of g everywherenment intervention in the economy. The political situation in the UK is stable. Her Majestys Government, led by Prime Minister David Cameron of the Conservative Party, is mainly concerned about the financial crisis affecting economies all over the world and to strengthen the economic position of UK globally. Through employment legislations, the government encourages retailers to provide a mix of jo b opportunities from flexible, lower-paid and locally-based jobs tohighly-skilled, higher-paid and centrally-located jobs (Balchin, 1994).Migration has a large impact on the grocery industry, as it provides new customers, as well as opportunities for supermarkets to cater to the different culinary cultures of immigrants. Migration also leads to a change in size of stab pool, which could have an effect on the availability of workers. Latest figures from the Office for National Statistics show some 503,000 people came to live in the UK in the year final stage June 2013, compared with 517,000 people the previous year (ONS.gov, 2013).4.2 EconomicEconomic factors are important to consider in regard to the UK grocery market, as they are highly potent to demand, costs, prices, and profit. One of the near influential factors on the economy is high unemployment level, which decreases the effective demand for many goods, adversely affecting the demand required to produce such goods. Unemp loyment in the UK is at 7.1% as of January 2014, according to BBC. Another highly relevant economic factor is the grocery market size and the market maturation. IGD prognosis that the UK grocery market value will be worth 205.9bn in 2018, a 21.3% growing on 2013 (IGD.com, 2013). This is beneficial news to Bokomo, since any expansion would be possible in regard to the availability of area in the market to expand. Another market characteristic of importance is the amount of spending on groceries in regard to overall retail expenditure in the UK. The grocery markets share accounts for 54.9p in every 1 of UK retail spending (IGD.com, 2013).4.3 kindlyAccording to Askew (2013) cut-rate sales in the cereal industry have been under pressure in these past years, especially due to the ever-changing social trends and habits of consumers. Even though sales in this market have been stable, growth has been slow. Traditional breakfast habits have changed and people consume fewer cereals because of a busier lifestyle. overly increasing number of consumers skip breakfast. An increase in female workers has also had an impact on this, which is why competition for convenient options is growingmore all(prenominal) time. An increasing number of people now look for easy and quick preferences to sitting down and eating.However, they expect to receive the same nutrients and healthy benefits with these convenient options. A growing number of women now get special attention to what they are eating, checking the labeling, nutritional information and ingredients of each product. Increasingly, women have a greater concern with their lean and healthy eating.Lately, the demand for childrens cereals has declined because of the refined sugar content it has. Cereal companies use marketing to their advantage and attract kids with unhealthy products. Their main source has been television adverts and most of the cereals for children have high sugar content with low nutritional value, a fac t of which more parents are aware.Apart from consumer concerns about health, they are also bonny more aware of the environment. In this specific market, many cereal companies now fit their water use, energy use, waste produced, etc. Most of them also catch up with close attention to the packaging of the product, like using recycled packaging.Another social factor that affects the grocery market in general is the diverse culture in UK. There are so many people with different cultures that do not choose cereals as their first choice for breakfast instead they have their own eating habits. Therefore, it is important for the producers in the grocery market to understand the needs of the entire population and meet them.Furthermore, supermarket own-brand products have gained a lot of popularity because of the economic downturn. As consumers have limited spending power, they prefer spending on a cheaper product that allows them to get the same benefits.4.4 TechnologicalIn the present e xpert age, everyone, from personal to professionalinteraction, is highly reliant on technology. Therefore, technological advances are important for the development and maintenance of business culture. Advances in technology have allowed the grocery industry to grow. An excellent example is the demise of Blockbuster, who was reluctant to explore online options, and their consequent refusal to buy Netflix and to adapt to changing trends lead to their bankruptcy and final closure on January 14, 2014. Online grocery shopping holds 11% of the distribution channels of the UK grocery market and predictions suggest online sales in the US will grow by 15% in 2014 to 189.3 billion, while in Europe, sales are expected to rise by 18% to 131.2 billion.Online shopping has helped people spend their day more expeditiously and reduced the effort of having to carry heavy grocery bags. Technological advances at the supermarket has contributed to more efficient customer service and stocking efforts. Th e adoption of Electronic Point of sales agreement (EPoS), Electronic Funds Transfer Systems (EFTPoS) and electronic scanners have greatly improved the efficiency of distribution and stocking activities, with needs being communicated almost in real time to the supplier (Finch, 2004). Devices such as the self-checkout machine and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) have permitted the grocery industry to grow and accommodate customers in an effective way.5.0 definition of product specific market5.1 Main competitorsThe leading cereal brands and the biggest competitors of Bokomo cereals in the UK are Kelloggs and Weetabix, reported Companies&Markets (2013). Kelloggs arrived in the UK in 1922 and since then has retained its position in the market, by focusing on innovation and expansion of their products. In 2012, it had 32% of value share, leading in the UK cereal market religious projecting a wide range of products. Over the years, Kelloggs has expanded to over 180 countries in t he world and has around 39 brands of cereals.Weetabix, on the other hand, was launched in 1932 it has been along-standing brand and has fought its competitors to stay in this position in the UK. Weetabix has also introduced many different brands and has been innovating to adapt to consumer preferences over the years.Also Jordans, a breakfast cereal company based in Bedfordshire, founded in 1855. Although, the company produced its first cereal in 1981 called Original Crunchy, it was in the years between 2000 and 2005 when it faced rapid growth and became one of the largest cereal brands in the UK. Its great focus over the years has been on the packaging, to make it stand out in grocery stores and it is also known to be included in the healthy, natural cereal segment Moreover, Nestle formed in 1990. It was launched as a joint venture between commonplace Mills and Nestle S.A. and named Cereal Partners Worldwide (CPW). They offer the traditional cereals, as well as a range of brands in cluding the world-known Cheerios.5.2 Targeted consumersCereal companies target many different kinds of people, although the easiest group of people to target has been children. BMSG (2013) stated they do it through advertisements on television, and somehow try to grab their attention by creating colourful, animated images and providing gifts in the cereal box each time.Another group targeted in this sector are the women because of their increasing concern for health and weight loss. Along with the children, women also form a big part of the consumers of this market. Nowadays, there are so many brands that have launched low-fat cereals and cereal bars also. Some also provide some advice, tips and dietary plans, Nytimes name (2010). Generally, families in the UK are also targeted consumers because some families still sit and have their meals together and believe that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Apart from that, families are more concerned with what they are eatin g, especially make sure that the smaller ones eat healthy (Marketingmagazine(2010) Unlike maybe some students at university who would not pay so much attention to their breakfast, particularly not on a daily basis.5.3 Key trends in the cereal marketMarketingmagazine (2008) stated A wage hike key trend in the cereal industry is the quick and convenient good to go snacks, like cereal bars. Cereal bars have gained a lot of popularity among a wide range of audience in recent years because people not having time for breakfast. Due to this reason, there has been a probatory decline in the sales of the cereal market. Companies have been mostly focusing on this convenient aspect of the market so that people dont just skip breakfast entirely and their business doesnt face a loss. As health also plays a crucial role in this market and recently people are more conscious about what they are putting in their body, convenient snacks are the best option as they cover both points.Nowadays, good to go snacks are not just used for breakfast but also during the entire day as an alternative to other unhealthy snacks. As a result of the sudden popularity of these snacks, now there are a great variety of them in different formats. On the other hand, the popularity of own branded labels is growing in the grocery market. It saves consumers a significant amount of money and they offer a similar or reform quality product. It has resulted in a much higher level of competition in the market.5.4 SWOT AnalysisBokomo website (2014)5.4.1 StrengthsBokomo is UKs leading cereal maker this is a major strength as they have established a firm position in the British cereal market. They operate in various markets wrong the cereal industry, providing food manufacture, retailing and catering. Bokomo can provide tasty, fresh cereal products any business is looking for, at a very competitive and cost-efficient price. British company (although owned by South Africas Pioneer Foods) with substantial manufacturing plants in Wellingborough and Peterborough. This squiffys Bokomo has the resources and specialist expertise to offer funny flexible manufacturing and packaging services. Companies needing a brand-newbreakfast cereal raced through New Product Development (NPD) or an innovative production line order up in record time can contact Bokomo. This makes them have an advantage as nowadays there are many organisations looking for branded cereal products. Bokomo is a world-class player, and in order to maintain that status they need world-class facilities. They have two factories in the UK, specifically in Wellingborough and Peterborough.These factories offer them a cutting-edge manufacturing plant, in other words, the latest, high quality, reliable and sustainable facilities. This leads to the production of high quality products. Food standards are also controlled and supported by SAP business information software, which makes customers feel more confident and secure with the products and services Bokomo delivers. Bokomos experts in the management team and the companys aim of constantly innovating and removing old production facilities has helped them produce large quantities of high quality products very efficiently and to the shortest imaginable lead-times.Their customers know Bokomo as a business that main objectives is to offer high quality products. This has been maintained by using high quality ingredients and top experts in recipe formulation. They are one of only 2 manufactures that produce wheat biscuits in the Northern hemisphere enabled them to have the largest control and knowledge of this production process. Even if Bokomo UK is based in the United Kingdom, they have also diversified. Geographic market diversification has enabled them to sell in many countries around Europe, Scandinavia and even as far as the United States of America or the United Arab Emirates5.4.2 WeaknessesBokomo stated youve possibly never heard of us this means that i ndividual customers do not know them as their own branded products is very niche, and they are more specialized in producing in a business to business way. This is a very common weakness for companies that operate Behind the Brand. Constant changing of consumers tastes (opting for cereal bars, instant porridge or other breakfast solutions) can be considered a weakness, as its difficult and overpriced to innovate and keep up to meet their needs. Difficulties to compete with well known brands cerealsproducts such as Corn Flakes, Crunchy Nut, Special K. Have to create a delicious product that attracts customers quickly and expensive to implement the R&D and marketing. On the other hand it can also be considered and opportunity. Negative publicity to which ready-to-eat cereals have been subjected due to their high sugar content5.4.3 OpportunitiesSocial trends are important opportunities for Bokomo. Customers aiming towards healthy living or any other lifestyle changes means there is a n opportunity towards which research and operate in. They have achieved and been keeping up to date with this as they have many products related to this trend. Great health benefits, such as products enabling the final consumer to control cholesterol levels. Multi-grain flake is another trend and potential opportunity for Bokomo. Consumers are changing their tastes towards healthier goods, and leaving behind old-fashioned sugary confections. Consumers are also increasingly purchasing Branflakes as they are considered to be great for supporting a healthy digestive system. Another trend busier schedules, people are increasingly feeling they have no time to spend on having breakfast and snacks. Bokomo muesli is available to cater for the increasing demand for breakfast on the go.They offer them in bags and boxes, which facilitates the final customer to transport to their work place. This is an example of an opportunity for Bokomo because if they keep-up to date with trends, they will b ecome more efficient and desirable for large retailers to procure their products, and everyone will benefit form the sales. UK retailers are also focusing on added-value products Add value by introducing natural minerals and vitamins into whole grain wheat and making the final product more healthy and nutritional. Own-label share of the business mix for large supermarket retailers. It is a main direction for Bokomo to go towards to as they can increase considerably their business operations, as the focus is now towards manufacturing own-label and branded products.Bokomo has realized the immense potential for expansion as the large retailers keep increasing the sale of this type of good. One-stop shopping, or shopping in large supermarkets were customers can find any type of product in the same building has beenbeneficial for Bokomo as these businesses are their main clients. If they increase their sales, Bokomo will also benefit from this, as they will sell them more and so increas e revenue will mean increase levels of profitability.5.4.4 ThreatsThe cereal industry offers products which are considered to be relatively expensive, which can be easily replaced with simpler breakfast choices such as bread. The financial recession has been a main factor for the decrease in expenditure, specially concerning families, as there are other much cheaper products to replace the cereals and cereal bars. High unemployment has made a substantial impact on the demand for such goods, adversely affecting the demand required to product those goods. Increasing levels of immigration specially in the UK, has meant that they do not have the same culinary cultures and so those breakfast products will not satisfy the needs and wants of everyone.5.0 RecommendationsWith the above analysis it is better for the company to target smaller retailers where their own labeled products wont be affected by competitive brands like Kelloggs, and when they achieve this they should concentrate more on develop their own branded products around the UK. As mentioned above in the SWOT analysis, cereal products are considered to be expensive due to the added value implemented on them so it would be better to decrease these levels of adding value and start off with lower prices, in recession periods.6.0 LimitationsBokomo website allowed us to obtain up-to-date and official information and statistics of the company. The information was limited because the company sold themselves and emphasized on its positive aspects because they have to promote their brand to the consumers. A part from this we also used other sources including, online phrases about food industry, which helped us, get an un-biased view of the company and the cereal market as a whole. Thedrawback of using other sources or secondary research was that the methods used were unknown so we examined the most official and valid sources.7.0 ReferencesAskew, K. 2013. Breakfast cereal Are cereal sales going soggy? Online Avai lable at http//www.just-food.com/analysis/are-cereal-sales-in-developed-markets-going-soggy_id123417.aspx Bainbridge, J. 2010. Sector insight Breakfast cereals Marketing Magazine. Online Available at http//www.marketingmagazine.co.uk/article/990662/sector-insight-breakfast-cereals Bainbridge, J. 2008. Sector Insight Cereal bars Marketing Magazine. Online Available at http//www.marketingmagazine.co.uk/article/817580/sector-insight-cereal-bars Balchin, A. (1994) Part-time Workers in the Multiple Retail Sector Small Change from Employment Protection Legislation? Employee Relations, Vol. 16 Iss 7, pp.43 57 BBC News. 2014. UK unemployment rate drops to 7.1%. Online Available at http//www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-25841570 BERKELEY, C. 2013. Cereal companies leverage online marketing to target children with sugary products Berkeley Media Studies Group. Online Available at http//www.bmsg.org/newsroom/news-releases/cereal-companies-leverage-online-marketing-to-target-children-with-sugary- products Bodimeade, M. 2013. UK breakfast cereals market dominated by Kelloggs and Weetabix. Online Available at http//www.companiesandmarkets.com/News/Food-and-Drink/UK-breakfast-cereals-market-dominated-by-Kelloggs-and-Weetabix/NI6602 Bokomo.co.uk. n.d. About Bokomo. Online Available at http//bokomo.co.uk/about Business News Daily (November 22, 2013) PEST Analysis Definition and Examples, Available at http//www.businessnewsdaily.com/5512-pest-analysis-definition-examples-templates.html Euromonitor.com. 2013. Breakfast Cereals in the United Kingdom. Online Available at http//www.euromonitor.com/breakfast-cereals-in-the-united-kingdom/report Igd.com. 2013. UK Grocery Retailing. Online Available at http//www.igd.com/our-expertise/Retail/retail-outlook/3371/UK-Grocery-Retailing/ Internetretailing.net (March 18, 2014) UK retailers expected to make