Coca-Cola Amatil

Strawberry Coca-Cola
Marketing Plan
 Executive Summary
The purpose of this plan is to introduce, as well as provide
marketing objectives and strategies for the new Coca Cola Amatil
product, Strawberry Coke.
Our main activities will involve the identification of the target
market for the product, and the implementation of a new
marketing mix (product, price, promotion and place) to gain the
best result for Strawberry Coke after the first 12 months of its
introduction. Also, the implementation, monitoring and controlling
of the marketing plan will be an important task after its
implementation. A basic financial analysis for the new product will
be available. However, an extensive analysis is not available at
this early stage. We are hoping that Strawberry Coke will receive
a positive result from its target market. Detailed information
regarding the target market and market objectives will be included
later in this report.
Contents of This Plan
Mission
Situation Analysis
Market Analysis
SWOT Analysis
Product Analysis
Competitor Analysis
Target Market
Marketing Strategies
Marketing Objectives
Marketing Mix
Financial Forecast
Implementation
Conclusion
MISSION

Mission
The goal for Coca Cola Amatil is to be the
beverage supplier of choice every time. In
order to achieve this, CCA must strive to
achieve the smaller battles of innovation,
safety, public image and a high ambition
towards customer satisfaction.
The new product Strawberry Coke will be Strawber
a revolutionary new low-sugar beverage ry
without caffeine designed for those under Coke
the age of seven, and over the age of 45.
CCA will endeavour to meet the
expectations of health critics and mothers
by providing Strawberry Coke with a
high-protein beverage and a new
healthy image. If successful, CCA will
have proactively entered a new consumer
market, and be another step towards
being every consumers choice for its
range of beverages.
SITUATION ANALYSIS
- Market Analysis
- SWOT Analysis

Situation Analysis
- Product Analysis
- Competitor Analysis

Coca Cola Amatil acts as the licensee of

Coca-Cola products in Australia, and
has done so since 1964. The total
revenue from sales of beverages
reached $3.35 billion last year, with
CCA reporting a net profit of $238.8
million. With a 60% share of
Australias soft drink market, CCA
remains the largest beverage
producer on the market. CCA has
continued to increase its net profit
over the last five years thanks to;
Organic Growth increasing the sales
of existing products through
marketing, the relationship with TCCC,
cost reduction and customer service.
Brand Extensions introducing new
products and increasing availability of
its product.
Introducing new products such as
Vanilla Coke, Diet Coke with Lemon,
and the new Diet Coke with Lime
contribute to the growing market
share and net profit of CCA.
SITUATION ANALYSIS
- Market Analysis
- SWOT Analysis
- Product Analysis

Organic Growth
- Competitor Analysis

CCAs growth is mainly due to its improved efficiency. That is, reduced
costs resulting in more gross profit, which can be retained in the
business to encourage further growth, or distributed as dividends and
wages to shareholders and workers. CCA strives to reduce costs, while
keeping safety and employment throughout its bottling plants at a
maximum.

The use of the Just-in-Time inventory system allows CCA to provide an

efficient means of providing its formula, CO2, bottles, water and other
materials to the bottling plants. The JIT system allows for precise
estimation of the materials required for the nearby future, to minimise
storage, transportation and other inventory costs which can
accumulate to as much as 40% of the total invested capitol of some
businesses. This, in turn, results in more capitol to be used in other
areas (such as marketing) or a cheaper distribution price for CCA
products. The JIT management system is recommended for the
bottling and presentation of the new Strawberry Coke.
SITUATION ANALYSIS
- Market Analysis
- SWOT Analysis
- Product Analysis

Brand Extensions
- Competitor Analysis

The introduction and modification of products is an important factor

when it comes to growth of a business. CCA has successfully
introduced new products (such as Vanilla Coke) into the soft
drink market through its extensive marketing campaigns and its
Coca Cola brand name over the past few years, resulting in a
higher market share and increasing profit margins each and
every year. The $750 million spent on sales, promotion and
distribution every year create a positive trend of sales for the
Coca Cola products, and there is little doubt that the new
Strawberry Coke will break those trends.
Accessibility is an important factor when considering the large
scale of the soft drink industry. One of Coca Cola Amatils
positive traits is the easily accessible products it provides. One
of the main reasons for success of Coca Cola and other CCA
products is the distribution from supermarkets, fast food outlets,
local grocery stores, news agents, as well as many more outlet
facilities. The widespread nature of CCA also builds customer
recognition of the Coke brands, which will help the Strawberry
Coke product gain the much needed popularity over the first 12
months of its introduction.
SITUATION ANALYSIS
- Market Analysis
- SWOT Analysis
- Product Analysis

Market Analysis
- Competitor Analysis

CCA, in cooperation with The Coca

Cola Company, operates on a multi-
national scale selling our products
in Australia, New Zealand, South
Korea, Indonesia and others. As well
as this, CCA operates on a local
scale selling its products to shops,
kiosks and supermarkets
everywhere. Therefore, in order to
remain a successful business, CCA
must understand both global
economic and environmental
conditions, as well as how these
effect the local communities. Both
internal and external influences
on the market need to be
considered to determine the ability
of CCA to distribute its soft drinks
at competitive prices, and the
ability of our consumers to
purchase them.
SITUATION ANALYSIS
- Market Analysis
- SWOT Analysis
- Product Analysis
- Competitor Analysis
Internal Factors of the Changing Market
Internal environmental conditions of the market include the natural resources effected by CCA,
disposing waste and acting under the legislation issued by the different Australian States and Federal
governments.
Changing social values are beginning to place the concerns of the consumer into the methods of
highly respected organisations in dealing with resources and handling waste. To combat these
growing concerns, and to maximise efficiency, CCA uses an Environmental Performance Measure
(EPM) to assess and evaluate the environmental impacts of the businesss performance. It acts as a
benchmark of current performance in order to set standards, identify Worlds Best Practice schemes
and identify any flaws. This helps to constantly improve the way CCA is operated and minimise
negative environmental aspects such as greenhouse gas emissions and waste.
CCA strives on being a responsible business when dealing with the environment and natural
resources and constantly develops efficient methods of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. These
can occur through:
Energy used in the manufacturing process
Refrigeration leaks associated with the cold drink equipment
Fuel used to deliver products to retailers.
As well as greenhouse gas, CCA is concerned with the disposal of wastes such as:
Waste from the bottling / formula plants including ingredient containers and damaged bottles
Products and equipment reaching their used-by-date
Packaging waste from purchased beverages (although this can be an external, or
unchangeable directly from the business, promotions can be made to encourage recycling of
our CCA bottles.
SITUATION ANALYSIS
- Market Analysis
- SWOT Analysis
- Product Analysis
- Competitor Analysis

External Factors of the Changing Market

The external conditions of the soft drink market influence the marketing mix
(product, price, placement and production) of CCAs products. Probably the most
demanding aspects are the change of consumer tastes and new competitors to
claim part of the market share.

Such an example is the entry of the recently new energy drinks such as V and Red
Bull. The new drinks achieved a widespread popularity very quickly during the mid
1990s. In order to remain a dominating player in the non-alcoholic beverage
market, CCA introduced its own version of the energy drinks, Lift-Plus.

Another external driver towards the changing market is the Australian economy.
Australia is a high-income country, and as such, soft drinks can be easily afforded by
most consumers. However, during an economic downturn (or bust), the Coca-Cola
brands may be seen as too expensive when compared to other, cheaper beverages.
To compensate CCA sought to minimising costs of production wherever it could.
The unique delivery system whereby CCAs products are transported from a local
bottling plant directly to the place of sale is a great advantage towards CCA, and
helps to minimise costs. Also, the introduction of dimming systems, switching
systems and energy efficient lamps save energy consumption by up to 40%. This
reduced the annual electricity bills by $30,000 to $50,000. The new product
Strawberry Coke will be sold at two thirds the price of Coca-Cola, and as such aims
to be a successful product during economic busts.
SITUATION ANALYSIS
- Market Analysis
- SWOT Analysis
- Product Analysis

SWOT Analysis
- Competitor Analysis

Strengths Weaknesse
Experienced Company and
s
Dynamically changing market.
management team.
Entry of new competitors (such as Frucor
Leader in all soft-drink markets in V brand drinks).
which we operate.
Changing health concerns of
Unique delivery management system. consumers.
JIT inventory system. Aging population resulting in fewer
young
people tocrisis
Asian economic promote Coca-Cola to .

Future growth opportunities to Growing terrorist threat resulting in high

neighbouring countries (including alertness and tight security, as well as a
Indonesia). growing un-American image in Indonesia,
South Korea and surrounding nations.
Diversification into health drink markets
and bottled water market. Attracting attention from regulators such as
ACCC.
Improving economic conditions (AUS dollar
etc.) Changing sugar prices.
May use TCCCs brand name to introduce Competitors
new products such as Strawberry Coke.
Opportuniti Threats
es
SITUATION ANALYSIS
- Market Analysis
- SWOT Analysis
- Product Analysis
- Competitor Analysis Strengths
Experienced company and management team.
CCA celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. Although the company was originally known as British
American Tobacco (Australia) in 1904, the company never began its beverage manufacturing until 1950.
Since 1964, CCA has owned the Coca-Cola bottling plant, and has shared a successful history with The
Coca-Cola Company. Today, CCA operates solely in the soft drink business, and has a significant presence in
the countries it operates in. The marketing strategies applied by TCCC and CCA have resulted in a renowned
understanding of the company and the Coca-Cola brand. The changes undergone throughout the last
century are thanks to the management team. Currently, the managing director (Terry Davis) and the
Chairman (David Gonski) lead the company into a diverse and strong future for Coca-Cola Amatil
Leader in all soft-drink markets in which we operate.
The unique taste and successful marketing strategies (and perhaps some chance) have lead to the huge
success of the Coca-Cola brands, as well as Sprite, Fanta and Mount Franklin Spring Water. This benefit is
thanks to the allegiance with The Coca-Cola Company and the dominating American culture in Australia.
Unique Delivery Management System
This delivery system allows CCA products to be transported from the bottling plants or warehouses directly
to the place of purchase. With other companies, the business has little to no influence on a product once it
has left the distributor. CCAs unique system ensures that the only time the reseller or distributor handles
the beverage is when it is scanned at a checkout, or presented in an in-store refrigerator. This strength also
reduces costs involved with transportation.
JIT (Just-In-Time) Inventory System
The JIT inventory system is a financial benefit to CCA as it reduces inventory storage and transportation
expenses, and improves efficiency in the many bottling plants CCA operates. The JIT system requires an
accurate forecast of required materials for the nearby future
SITUATION ANALYSIS
- Market Analysis
- SWOT Analysis
- Product Analysis
- Competitor Analysis
Weaknesses
Dynamically changing market
The changing tastes and moral beliefs in Australia (as well as the other five nations CCA operates in), as
well as competitors actions have resulted in a rapidly changing soft-drink market. The market itself is
constantly changing, and new products are being introduced by CCA and its competitors (such as Pepsi)
at a rapid rate. This poses a problem to CCA as the products do not have enough time to be properly
assimilated into the Australian culture like Coca-Cola has. Constantly changing conditions of the market
(as detailed earlier in Market Analysis) include the new line of energy drinks becoming increasingly
popular, and the changing health concerns of food and drinks.
Entry of new competitors
Although not a dominant weakness to CCA, the introduction and success of competitors does impact the
sales made by CCA. For example, the new company Frucor with the V energy drink has impacted
greatly on the CCA equivalent Lift Plus.
Changing health concerns of consumers.
The recent (over the past few years) changes of moral concerns towards carbonated drinks have
caused a negative image of the soft drink brands such as Coca-Cola and Sprite. Although sales have
increased, the rate of increase for CCAs soft drink products have slowed. This acts as a weakness to
the company, and CCA has attempted to ratify the problem through its brand extensions (into products
such as Diet Coke) and producing healthier drinks (such as Fruitopia Fruit Juice and the new Strawberry
Coke).
Aging population
It is well known that Australias population is ageing. This unchangeable problem leaves CCA with fewer
young people to market to now, and in the future.
Asian economic crisis
The economic crisis during the late 1990s has resulted in a rapid decline of the soft drink market,
dropping by up to 23% in Indonesia. With CCA gaining half of its revenue from these overseas countries,
the recession has effected CCA very hard in terms of profits.
SITUATION ANALYSIS
- Market Analysis
- SWOT Analysis
- Product Analysis
- Competitor Analysis
Opportunitie
s
Future growth opportunities to neighbouring countries
The potential for CCA towards globalisation is quite high. CCA operates in six countries (Australia, New
Zealand, South Korea, Indonesia, Fiji and Papua New Guinea) and has the opportunity to adapt its
successful business structure and procedures into many new markets.

Diversification into health drink markets and bottled water market.

The fruit drink market in particular is a positive prospect for CCA. CCA currently operates in the fruit drink
market with its products from the Fruitopia range, but this brand only accounts for 2% of the total sales in
the market. The prosperities for future entry of the market is one to be considered. The new Strawberry
Coke is somewhat of a fruit drink, which will hopefully increase the market share CCA has on the fruit drink
market.
Improving economic conditions
The past 12 months have seen an incline of the Australian economy. Theoretically, this economic growth
will allow more people of different economic status to purchase soft drinks. This is important to CCA, as its
leading soft drinks (Coca-Cola and Diet Coke) are priced slightly higher than that of its competitors.
Economic growth is therefore an opportunity for CCA to perform better in the beverage market.
Consequently, this can also affect the wages of workers. It is possible that employees can feel they
deserve more pay with the rising economy. This can be a threat to CCA, as it would lose more of its
revenue through workers wages.
Brand Extensions
An opportunity CCA has had since its relationship with The Coca-Cola Company is using TCCC brand names
to introduce new products. Introducing new products with a recognised brand name is an effective way of
growth for a business. When consumers notice a new product sharing a similar brand name as a recognised
product, it is commonly believed that the new product shares similar positive attributes to the already
recognised products. CCA has already introduced similar brand extensions including Vanilla Coke, Cherry
Coke and the new Strawberry Coke.
SITUATION ANALYSIS
- Market Analysis
- SWOT Analysis
- Product Analysis
- Competitor Analysis
Threats
Growing Terrorist Threat
Terrorism can have its effects on organisations such as CCA through the decreasing popularity for
Americanisation, and American products. Muslim cultures, for example, have developed a new cola drink
similar to Coca-Cola to dominate the Muslim world (of over 1 billion people) and reduce Americanisation
in Muslim countries. This growing threat can greatly effect CCA and other Americanised companies.

Attracting attention from regulators such as ACCC.

Although CCA is a well known company with open and honest business activities, government regulators
(such as the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission) are keen to monitor the progress of the
businesss activities. Some ventures (including CCAs attempt to purchase Cadbury Schweppes) have
resulted in a negative feedback from ACCC. This poses a threat to CCA as the more it grows, the less
freedoms it will have in terms of business transactions.

Changing sugar prices.

Altering prices for sugar would be a threat to any company which heavily relies on the resource. Since
most of CCAs products include sugar, an increase in the price of sugar can lead to higher operating
costs, and lower net profits once the revenue is made.

Competitors
The success of competitors can sometimes mean the failure of a business. For instance, if Pepsi were to
gain a 5% increase on the soft drink market, it could have gotten that 5% from other businesses,
including CCA. That is why CCA is constantly attempting to utilise the soft drink market, expand current
products and introduce new ones to remain on top.
SITUATION ANALYSIS
- Market Analysis
- SWOT Analysis
- Product Analysis
- Competitor Analysis

Product Analyis Strawberry

Coke
Strawberry Coke is a new product continuing the Coca-Cola name into a new
market. Strawberry Coke is a healthy drink with a sweet taste designed to cater
mostly for children under seven, but also the ageing population and consumers
looking for the healthier alternative. The drink is be a low-sugar substitute for
soft drinks, and includes 35% strawberry extract and absolutely no caffeine.
This makes the drink more of a fruit-drink, but we at Coca-Cola Amatil are
confident that the drink will be more popular with the Coke brand name and
customer recognition.
Thanks to The Coca-Cola Company and its millions of dollars spent
strengthening customer awareness ever year, the products made by TCCC and
their bottling partners around the world (including CCA) are recognised almost
everywhere. Coca-Cola is the worlds most recognised word, and the drink
Coca-Cola is the worlds most recognised brand.
Strawberry Coke itself is a shade of red close to the trademark Coca-Cola label,
and will be available in 390mL bottles, 1Lt and 2lt containers as well as the
new 250mL bottle to cater for individual children, families, and other
consumers. The label for Strawberry Coke is different from the Coca-Cola drinks
in that it shows strawberries and a new style font for the title. This allows for a
differentiation of the brands, while still maintaining the Coca-Cola name.
SITUATION ANALYSIS
- Market Analysis
- SWOT Analysis
- Product Analysis
- Competitor Analysis

It has been decided that Strawberry Coke will be bottled

in the same procedure that the Coca-Cola brand products
are. Not only will this assimilate the new drink with the
other coca cola products, it will present an efficient
method of bottling the new drink without the need of new
machines or bottle shapes. The method used consistently
in bottling CCA products can also be maintained on the
product. The financial sector indicates that this will lead
to savings of up to $5million during the first year of
production. If Strawberry Coke is unable to meet the
expectations set out by CCA by the second year or
introduction a new, flatter and thicker bottle or a
cardboard solution will be introduced. This will be
necessary only if it is concluded that the unhealthy
image of carbonated drinks causes Strawberry Coke a
negative response with consumers. Strawberry Coke will
be available in the same vending machines as other CCA
products, but will be at a lower price for the first 60 days
of its implementation. The marketing plan will address
these details in the marketing strategies section.
SITUATION ANALYSIS
- Market Analysis
- SWOT Analysis
- Product Analysis
- Competitor Analysis
Product Life
Cycle
When competing in the dynamic market of carbonated beverages, the introduction of new products and the
diversification of existing products becomes of paramount concern when considering the companies future.
CCA has successfully marketed and assimilated the Vanilla Coke and Cherry Coke brands in Australia,
which has not only brought a successful boom in the CCA dominance of the market, but helped continue
the life of CCAs leading products Coca-Cola, Sprite and Fanta. Timing and planning is essential in
organising the release of a new brand. If held off too late, the customer base developed by the previous
products may be lost and/or harder to gain. It is also important to stimulate different market segments (i.e.
not only the soft-drink market, but the health drinks, energy drinks, caffeine drinks and others as well) to
ensure that no matter what changes in consumer attitudes (culture, sub-culture, lifestyles etc), there will
always be a product available to refresh any consumer.
Life Cycle of a New
Although still improving in sales, the Product
leading brand of the soft drink industry
(Coca-Cola) has reached the maturity
phase of its life cycle. Newer brands,
including Strawberry Coke, are created to
begin a new product life cycle and combat
the competitors brands currently on the
market. Hopefully, the new drink will be
accepted into Australian culture as Coca-
Cola has been, and the recognition of the
CCA brands will continue onto future
generations.
SITUATION ANALYSIS
- Market Analysis
- SWOT Analysis
- Product Analysis
- Competitor Analysis
Competitor Analysis
It is important to include a competitor analysis to assess their strengths and
weaknesses, and predict future strategies. Because of CCA and TCCCs size and
dominance in the beverage market, most smaller competitors have a minor effect
on the business strategies of CCA. Therefore, there is usually little needed to be
done to combat the marketing plans proposed by those smaller competitors.
CCAs most dominant competitor is Pepsi. The Australian Pepsi franchise is Pepsi
Australian Holdings (PAH), and its bottling partner is Cadbury Schweppes
Australia. All Pepsi franchises operate as an independent business and make their
own local marketing decisions. On a global scale, this makes Pepsis strategies
harder to determine and plan for.
Part of the reason Pepsi became such a successful enterprise is because of its
choice of target market. Pepsi target younger consumers in urban areas (as these
areas are where most teenagers live) as well as women in general. This is clear
through the recent advertising campaign involving the three popular artists
Britney Spears, Pink and Beyonce Knowles. To counter this, CCA has launched the
new Strawberry Coke, targeted at younger customers (including teenagers) as
well as customers looking for a healthy alternative. Hopefully this will allow CCA
to continue to be the beverage supplier of choice every time.
As well as target market, it is also worth noticing that the main goal for PAH is to
increase market share and the value of shareholders investments. By knowing
this, we at CCA can understand the reason of the competitive prices PAH charges
for its products. To combat this, CCA should look at improving consumer
relationships, as it is the consumer awareness and respect that allows CCA to
outsell Pepsi brand drinks even though CCAs products are generally priced
higher.
 Identifying Target
Market
As already noted, Strawberry Coke has the following characteristics
Low in sugar
Absolutely no caffeine
Strawberry extracts (35%)
The marketing department has already concluded that the focus of the Strawberry Coke product will be
children under seven, as well as older consumers over 45. Because children under seven do not have
much money for their own personal use, we will have to target the parents of these children. In order to
do this, we will be using a concentrated marketing scheme, whereby the focus of the product will be
to a segment of the total market (that is, families with young children) in the hope that other areas of the
beverage market will be influenced by the popularity. In other words, we hope that the other members of
the families we target enjoy the new drink, and help others to become familiar with it. This type of
marketing is not like anything that CCA has done before. Usually the products made by CCA are
undifferentiated (one approach for all consumers).
Economically, Strawberry Coke will be designed for even the lowest income earners. With each drink
selling at two thirds (2/3) the cost of other Coca-Cola brand products, the plan is to capture the lower-
income market as well as the middle to high-income consumers.
The Coca-Cola brand name will also help this assimilation into the mass market. Also, Strawberry Coke
will not be given a comical or childish image through advertising and promotions (bill boards,
commercials, packaging etc). That is, there will be no graphics designed specifically for children, nor any
children in the commercials for the product this is because we hope that older people will enjoy the
drink too.
We are fairly confident that the concentrated target market will be sufficient enough to provide adequate
revenues for the first 12 months.
MARKETING STRATEGIES
- Marketing Objectives
- Marketing Mix
- Product
- Price
- Promotion
- Place Marketing
Strategies
This section will look at two areas; Marketing Objectives and the Marketing
Mix. The Marketing Objectives will determine what it is we hope to achieve
through the new product Strawberry Coke. As the main objective of Coca-Cola
Amatil is to be the beverage supplier of choice every time, the Marketing
Objectives will determine what needs to be done in order to achieve that goal.
Then the Marketing Mix will show exactly how CCA will use its resources to satisfy
the wants of the target market. Specifically, the Marketing Mix will give details
on:
Product what the product has to offer and what it actually is (including
packaging, features, positioning and quality).
Price what pricing methods will be used, and what pricing strategies will be
used.
Promotion information regarding advertising, above-the-line promotions,
below-the-line promotions and communication.
Place distribution of the product, transportation and distribution intensity.

Essentially, the marketing strategy will put the operations of CCA pointed in the
right direction to achieve the business objectives.
MARKETING STRATEGIES
- Marketing Objectives
- Marketing Mix
- Product
- Price
- Promotion
- Place Marketing
Objectives
The main objective for Coca-Cola Amatil is to be the supplier of choice every time. This business objective
can apply to the marketing plan, but in order to achieve this, there are a number of different objectives to
satisfy including:
Increased customer awareness
Improve image
Increase share of the market

The most important objective of this plan, however, is to successfully enter a competitive
market that CCA has never successfully penetrated. The only brand CCA produces in the
juice market is the Fruitopia brand of drinks, which delivers a 2% market share of all
fruit drinks sold. Therefore, the main objective CCA wishes to pursue is to capture a
reasonable share of the market from 2% to 10% in two years. During the first year, CCA
is prepared to accept reasonable losses in revenue due to advertisements, below-the-line
promotions and competitions in order to increase the consumer awareness and product
differentiation. The first year will also be important for monitoring and controlling
operations, to better prepare any flaws in the marketing process for the proceeding 12
months. After 24 months, the entire products performance will be compared to the
performance of competitors, and the entire market to decide whether to continue the
rate of promotions or to start a fresh marketing campaign. We are expecting to have
close to 5,000 distribution networks in New South Wales, and to receive a profit margin
of 3% for the first 12 months, followed by 8% in the second year of operations.
MARKETING STRATEGIES
- Marketing Objectives
- Marketing Mix
- Product
- Price
- Promotion Marketing Mix
- Place

The marketing mix is where the different market tactics are determined for the
new product. Although CCA has a successful history of promoting its products,
Strawberry Coke has rather large shoes to fill, so the marketing mix is still a
crucial element of this marketing plan. The marketing mix is associated with
knowing what kind of consumers will buy the product, and what we can do to
make the product more attractive. Some things such as the place (or distribution)
of the product can be easily arranged. This is because Coca-Cola Amatils other
products already operate under a unique and cost-effective system of
transportation and physical distribution, and the new Strawberry Coke will have
few differences in its place of purchase and transportation procedure. Strawberry
Coke will be promoted in a different way to the other Coke brands because of the
different market it will operate in, and a different target market it will aim to sell
to. The marketing mix looks at the four Ps product, price, promotion and
place.
Marketing Mix

Product Price Promotion Place

MARKETING STRATEGIES
- Marketing Objectives
- Marketing Mix
- Product
- Price
- Promotion
- Place
Product
The actual product being sold is Strawberry Coke, but the customer does not only buy Strawberry Coke, they buy a
refreshing beverage with a sweet taste that is rich with strawberries and fulfils the thirsts of its consumers. It is
important to identify the service which Strawberry Coke is presenting to the consumer, not just its content. Also,
the service being provided may be of different value to come consumers. Children under seven mostly consider
the taste that is in Strawberry Coke, while their parents or older siblings will consider the content of the drink in
relation to their health.
Ingredients in the Strawberry Coke formula include strawberry extract (35%), artificial colours and flavours,
carbonated water, as well as the highly secret Coca-Cola formula for the competitive advantage Coca-Cola holds
over all competitors in the market. The bottle will be coloured bright pink, and the actual drink is coloured dark red
similar to the Coca-Cola trademark colours. The bottle top for Strawberry Coke is a pink colour also. The smaller
bottles (250mL) will be available both separately and in a four-pack. The four-pack will be contained within neck
holders, much like Coca-Cola glass bottle sets, but will remain in a plastic recyclable bottle.
Positioning of the product or the product image is a crucial part of the marketing mix. The image of CCAs
products is one of the most important aspects of marketing the many successful drinks available to consumers.
Most of CCAs products have been positioned by direct comparison. That is, the positive image consumers get
when they think of a coke is equal to the negative image CCA has created of the Pepsi-Cola equivalent, Pepsi-Cola.
However, this is not the method that will be used for Strawberry Coke.
The marketing team has concluded that the most effective method of positioning Strawberry Coke for the fruit
juice market is through quality. Coca-Cola has always been associated with a high-quality product, but that
aspect has never been a focus point in its marketing. We will attempt to create such an image for Strawberry
Coke, where consumers feel that Strawberry Coke is a high quality product that better suits the needs of a fruit
drink (being healthy but maintaining a great taste.)
The branding of Strawberry Coke has already been taken care of by the Coke name. CCA and TCCC have spent
$billions in creating a world-renowned brand that separates Coca-Cola from all other beverages worldwide. The
brand leads to the image, and differentiates the product from the others in the market. We predict that the Coca-
Cola brand name will provide an immediately positive reaction to the product.
MARKETING STRATEGIES
- Marketing Objectives
- Marketing Mix
- Product
- Price
- Promotion
- Place
Price
The image being created for a new product can be given by the
price of that product. High prices often mean high quality. CCA
expects this image of quality to remain high during the
introduction of Strawberry Coke. With the main objective of the
new product being to increase market share, we have decided
that the best strategy concerning price is to set a price in
relation to the market. We have decided that an attractive price
for a single 250mL bottle is $1.00, 390mL bottle at $1.40, 1L
bottle at $3.50 and the 2L bottles at $5.00. We are aware that
these prices are just the recommended retail price, and that the
price of Strawberry Coke may vary between retailers, but this is
only expected to be a 10% variation. This penetration
marketing strategy is believed to give Strawberry Coke a
higher opportunity to succeed in the market.
These prices will apply for the first 60 days only, until we can determine the effectiveness of
these prices and popularity of Strawberry Coke. If things are doing well after the first 60 days,
we will apply a more value-based price. The value perceived by consumers of the Coca-Cola
brand name enables CCA to charge more for those products. Similarly, the Strawberry Coke
product will, as we expect, hold a high-value perception by its consumers and should be
priced accordingly. Depending on what happens after the first 60 days, the price of Strawberry
Coke may increase by up to 25%.
MARKETING STRATEGIES
- Marketing Objectives
- Marketing Mix
- Product
- Price
- Promotion
- Place
Promoti
on
To establish awareness of the new Strawberry Coke and why it appeals to consumes, a promotional
campaign is needed. Promotion is often the most important element of the marketing mix, as it involves
communicating to the consumer. CCA will involve itself in both above-the-line and below-the-line
promotional methods. Research has shown that after the introduction of a new product, the rate at which
that product is accepted within society and given a household image is relatively slow. Therefore, CCA has
to target the innovators and early adapters of the target market. Research of the target market
Strawberry Coke is aimed at shows that these people are young mothers, possibly single-parents, who are
just beginning a family and will try new products more often.
Firstly, to bring about customer awareness of Strawberry Coke, CCA has agreed with TCCC to produce
Australia-wide advertisements including television, radio, billboards, the internet (through mailing lists and
popular websites) and a number of Strawberry Coke vans and cars (to target younger consumers during the
day, when many children are outside). As well as this, CCA will continue to sponsor events such as The
Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation, the Athens Olympic Games, Soccer NSW and other localised
events to increase its public image, and to introduce the new Strawberry Coke.
Below-the-line promotions CCA will undertake include free samples and handouts of Strawberry Coke at
different retailer locations around Australia for the first 30 days of implementation, competitions to win
larger bottles of Strawberry Coke, and a 1 in 6 wins promotion whereby approximately one in every six
Strawberry Coke products contains a winning coupon for a free Strawberry Coke. This 1 in 6 promotion may
cause a loss in revenue but the benefits it achieves by increasing customer awareness and generating a
higher customer base will bring a greater market share, and a higher revenue because of it. Consumer
awareness and image are the main objectives of the promotional side of the marketing mix. The net profit
made by the new product is currently of lower priority to maintaining a dominant market share. As stated in
the marketing objectives, we are prepared for a loss in revenue for the first 12 months.
MARKETING STRATEGIES
- Marketing Objectives
- Marketing Mix
- Product
- Price
- Promotion
- Place
Place
The placement, or distribution of all CCA products is an extremely important factor of the marketing mix
due to the billions of litres of beverages sold every year. Although some of CCAs products are sold directly to
the consumer (e.g. vending machines), many of the distribution channels CCA uses are through
independent businesses (or intermediaries) such as supermarkets, kiosks and convenience stores. In order to
reach the largest possible amount of consumers, CCA must ensure that the distribution (mainly by road) from
its eight bottling plants around Australia reach its destination effectively.
Strawberry Coke will not differ from the current strategy involving the ordering, warehousing, transportation
and monitoring of CCA products. JIT management and the unique delivery system CCA uses acts as a
substantial benefit to the distribution of CCA products, and this will be the same as the Strawberry Coke
products. Strawberry Coke will be available in the same vending machines and refrigeration units in stores as
other CCA products are. In supermarkets, however, we have arranged for Strawberry Coke to be available
only in the fruit juice section of the store. This will assist the image we are trying to make of Strawberry Coke
displaying it as a fruit drink and not as a sugar-filled soft drink.
We have also made an agreement with McDonalds Restaurants to sell Strawberry Coke along side the other
beverages available at the many different stores. Only participating McDonalds franchises can be included in
this deal, as a large amount of McDonalds Restaurants are owned by individual franchisees. Because
Strawberry Coke contains real fruit extracts it is impossible to reduce the drink to a formula. Therefore, all
Strawberry Coke products must be delivered to the McDonalds Restaurants in bottles (unlike other Coca-Cola
products which can be sold as formula and then used in beverage dispensers). Refrigeration units must also
be delivered to every participating McDonalds. CCA has agreed with Linfox (the companies trucking company
ally) to provide more funding to produce more trucks and drivers in order to meet the transportation
demand.
Thanks to innovations in technology, the quantity of CCA products in many retailers can now be electronically
monitored, to ensure that there is always a plentiful supply of CCA products. Similarly with Coca-Cola brand
products, Strawberry Coke will be monitored and any shortages will be dealt with accordingly.
 Financial Forecast
Estimating the costs and revenue that is expected in the future is a difficult process, especially
when introducing a new product. We were able to product a few estimations, but the extensive
financial report will be given at a later date. Thankfully, the budget permitted for the Strawberry
Coke project is sufficient enough to support the various costs involved.
Costs
Research Costs the main information about the soft-drink market and CCA itself had already
been researched by both CCA and TCCC. Because of its size, CCA can take no risks, even when
introducing new features into existing products (like new promotions or sponsoring different
events), there can be no room for guess-work. Therefore, CCA regularly conducts research on the
market and on competitors and products. This research costs an average of $550,000 every year,
and was no different to the research undertaken for Strawberry Coke.
Product Costs this includes designing the product, researching and trialling the Strawberry Coke
formula, patenting the drink and creating packaging bottles, labels and caps. On a multi-national
scale, this process will end up costing at least $10.3million.
Promotion and Distribution Costs this includes advertisements, costs resulting in the 1 in 6
wins campaign, free giveaways and samples, transportation, warehousing, refrigeration units for
retailers (including McDonalds) and sponsors. As of yet, the cost of the free giveaways and the
refrigeration units are uncertain, because of the unknown amount of consumers who will try the
new drink, and because of the uncertainty of the amount of refrigeration units needed to order as
not all McDonalds Restaurants have given a response to the agreement. Advertising costs are
expected to be $35million over two years.
 Financial Forecast
Revenue

Revenue for the first six months is expected to be adequate, but

not extraordinary. As previously stated, we are willing to accept
a loss in revenue for the first 12 months due to advertising
costs, as well as the other fixed costs (including the
refrigeration units, trucks and more drivers for distribution). The
estimated revenue from Strawberry Coke for the first 12 months
is approximately $115million. Research shows that the profits
made from Strawberry Coke are not expected to be substantial
enough to capture the goal of 10% of the fruit drink market, but
further promotion and strategic pricing (which are yet to be
decided) will hopefully increase the revenue from sales, and the
much needed market share over the second year of trade.
As already stated, we expect a profit margin of approximately
3% for the first year, and an increase of profit to 8% after the
second year.
A further detailed financial report should be completed after six
months of implementation and will include a detailed analysis of
all costs and revenue, as well as predicted revenue and profit
forecasts for the proceeding 24 months.
 Implementation
Upon implementation of this plan, CCA must ensure to monitor the effectiveness of the marketing
strategies in relation to the marketing objectives, and take any actions necessary (controlling) to ratify the
strategies to ensure the money used on promotions are effective. CCA can monitor the marketing plan using
three methods:
Sales Analysis a sales analysis records all information regarding the sales of a product (Strawberry
Coke) in different market segments and in different locations. Then, comparing the actual sales over what
was expected, we can discover which strategies are effective in certain areas and to certain consumers. For
instance, a suburb may consist of more families than single person households and buy more Strawberry
Coke than in other areas. The demographic situation (including income, age, family etc) of consumers can
be determined, and different marketing strategies can be implemented to increase customers in some
areas. In the example of many middle income families, different promotion strategies can focus on that
particular type of target market.
Market Analysis comparing CCAs performance over that of other businesses in the market can indicate
if any changes need to be made in the marketing strategy. If a competitive organisation obtains more profits
due to a particular type of promotion (like free samples or public exhibitions), it is important for CCA to
recognise what it can do to improve its own profits and customer loyalty. It is recommended that a market
analysis be conducted frequently during the first 2 years of implementation of Strawberry Coke.
Profitability Analysis records all data regarding the costs and revenues of a product and draws
conclusions through ratios such as advertising to sales or market research to sales. Comparing this
information to the financial forecasts of the marking plan is an effective means of monitoring effectiveness
also.
We advise that CCA be aware of the external environment. The changing nature of the beverage market can
result in changing consumer trends, and CCA needs to monitor those changes constantly so as to produce a
brand image and promotion strategy to better suit the marketing objectives of the marking plan. In the case
of an unexpected change of anticipated consumer taste or market changes, a new marketing plan should be
created to identify the changes and propose methods in order to keep the company on track to its
marketing objectives.
 Conclusion
This marketing plan was created for the intent of
marketing the new Strawberry Coke product, not to
deliver recommendations on other CCA marketing
strategies.
Although Coca-Cola Amatil remains the most dominant
non-alcoholic beverage corporation in all the countries
it operates in and continues to show an improving
control of the soft drink market, the introduction of a
new product must not be overestimated. Introducing a
new product into an already dynamic and competitive
market is a task requiring the right combination of
planning and persistence. Strawberry Cokes success
relies on these qualities, and the right image to relate
to its target market.
Hopefully, the target market will be large enough to
support the nation-wide project until Strawberry Coke
slowly becomes a household product. Depending on
how consumers accept Strawberry Coke, CCA should
interpret the products success through brand image
and customer recognition (not just through profit
margins and revenue), at least after the first 12
months.