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HomeMarketingThe Marketing MixLaunching a new product into a developed market

Launching a new product into a developed market

Launching a new product into a developed market

Established markets generate intense competition during which new and innovative marketing strategies are required and new and existing products are developed.

As a market develops, consumers become more experienced and discerning and look for more benefits from the products they choose. Although some organisations’ products may appear unchanged at this developed stage of a market, the more successful businesses re-work existing brands and continue to develop new ones to meet changing consumer needs. The development of strong brands has always been a feature of the confectionery market.

Background to the confectionery market

Per capita, confectionery consumption in the UK is among the highest in the world, exceeded only by Ireland and Denmark. Chocolate confectionery accounts for around 70of sales value in the UK market, with sales of sweets (sugar confectionery) at around 30 per cent.

Historically, the chocolate confectionery market has been characterised by the dominance of a number of well established brands, such as Cadbury’s Dairy Milk, Mars Bar and Kit Kat. Although some brands enjoy a rich heritage, the key need in a busy and developed market sector is innovation, not just of existing brands but also in the development of completely new brands.

Brand-led innovation is a vital component in the growth of this market as it enables organisations to build a competitive advantage. Over recent years, competitors in the chocolate market have made significant investments in new product development. Indeed, over 15 per cent of volume sales in the last ten years have been generated by new products. For Cadbury, this figure is even higher, at 20 per cent with new brand launches such as Wispa Gold and Time Out.

This case study focuses on the launch of Cadbury’s Fuse. In the face of strong competition from well-known brands in an already busy market sector, the launch of Fuse represented a significant investment in a new brand.