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Nov 24, 2024
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Pact Coffee
Marketing home assigment
Name
Date
1
Table of Contents
1.
Introduction of (your brand)
................................................................................................
3
2.
Product Category in (country) (e.g. Sportsshoe category in Iran)
.......................................
3
3.
Marketing strategy
...............................................................................................................
5
4.
Marketing mix
.....................................................................................................................
8
5.
Recommendations
..............................................................................................................
11
6.
References
.........................................................................................................................
12
2
1.
Introduction of (your brand)
Pact Coffee is a small-scale brand located in the United Kingdom. This coffee
subscription service, which sources coffee beans from all over the globe, was founded in 2011
by Stephen Bartlett after an excursion to Ethiopia, where he witnessed significant barriers
coffee farmers face. As such, the selected organisation is dedicated to ethical and sustainable
practices, enshrined in its commitment to ensuring that such farmers are fairly compensated
for their endeavours. The company also donates a portion of its profits to coffee-growing
communities. The company utilises various subscription plans designated to meet the diverse
needs of its consumers. The product comes in various assortments from which customers can
choose and get their coffee delivered periodically, i.e., weekly, monthly, or every two months
(Pact Coffee, no date). This coffee is famous and revered by consumers looking for high-
quality and ethically sourced coffee where every proponent within the circle is appropriately
compensated for their efforts. This brand has been well covered, with widespread media
outlets such as The Guardian, The Independent, and The Telegraph applauding Pact Coffee’s
commitment to equity and sustainability. Pact Coffee is a B Corp-certified company. This
accreditation cements the organisation's pledge to attain benchmark social and environmental
performance metrics (Pact Coffee, no date). According to Fonseca et al. (2022, p. 500), B
Corp-certified companies typically are obliged to use their businesses as a force for good and
change in the dynamic modern business landscape.
2.
Product Category in (country)
The coffee business in the United Kingdom has been booming, with creativity,
innovation, and style key to maintaining a competitive advantage. With an estimated value of
£4.7 billion in 2022, the growth in this thriving sector is driven by increasing consumer
demand for high-quality, ethically sourced coffee, along with a growing preference for at-
home consumption (Trollman et al., 2022, p. 43). Diverse competitors, including
3
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multinational giants like Nestlé and Jacobs Douwe Egberts, established UK brands such as
Kenco and Nescafé, and a growing number of speciality coffee roasters and subscription
services characterise the market. Additionally, Pact Coffee competes with other subscription-
based coffee brands within the United Kingdom, such as Coffee Subscription UK and Park
Up Coffee. This competition has influenced the formulation of different subscription plans
catering to different penchants and budgets. The stiff and intense competition has led to these
brands vying for customer attention through unique selling schemes, such as ethical sourcing,
personalised recommendations, and eco-friendly packaging.
With recent calls and concerns over the alarming rate of climate change,
predominantly anthropogenic, many consumers tend to lean towards products and services
that adhere to ethical and ecological prerequisites. As such, most UK coffee consumers are
discerning in their coffee choice, with the majority on the lookout for high-quality, ethically
sourced beans and are keen to pay a premium for these attributes (
Maye, Kirwan, and Brunori,
2019, p. 301)
. Convenience and a personalised experience are significant determinants for
consumer behaviour patterns and trends, with many consumers seeking products, in this case,
coffee, that fit seamlessly into their lifestyles and cater to their tastes.
With COVID-19 imposing a new way of life, i.e., a shift towards confinement, home-
based activities, and reduced public activity, many people are spending more time in their
homes and investing in home brewing equipment. This trend is expected to persist in the face
of the pandemic as consumers appreciate the convenience and cost-effectiveness of brewing
their coffee at home (Castellana et al., 2021, p. 2458). Industrial trends within the coffee niche
unravel several notable differences between the United Kingdom and other countries, say the
United States (Pact Coffee, no date). The UK market for coffee subscriptions is relatively
emergent compared to other markets, such as the United States, which provides Pact Coffee
4
with an opportunity and platform that, if capitalised, would capture even a much larger market
share.
3.
Marketing strategy
Marketing strategy is the overall plan that guides an organisation's marketing efforts,
including identifying target markets, positioning products or services, and developing
promotional activities. This crucial aspect is essential to small brand organisations for various
reasons, such as enabling a clear distinction in a highly competitive market. Small-brand
organisations are typically characterised by limited resources and budget constraints,
necessitating them to adopt strategic choices for positioning their brand and standing out from
larger competitors (Morgan et al., 2019, p. 20). A well-defined marketing strategy allows them
to identify their unique selling points and communicate these effectively to potential
customers. Additionally, a solid marketing strategy enables such organisations to discern the
demographics associated with their targeted audiences by conducting market research
analyses, which enables them to gain invaluable insights into their consumers' needs,
preferences and behavioural tendencies. Such is significant in enabling them to adopt well-
defined policies and frameworks, which result in improved customer experience and service
delivery, thus propelling these brands forward by preventing consumer/employee turnover
while improving the associated loyalty metrics (Dibb et al., 2019). Finally, another rationale
for a well-defined marketing strategy results in maximum return on investment, ROI, of
scarce resources, ensuring that any outlay spent directly contributes towards achieving both
short- and long-term objectives.
Segmentation and targeting
Segmentation refers to dividing a market into distinct groups of consumers with
similar needs, characteristics, and behaviours. Pact Coffee segments its market based on
several factors, including coffee consumption habits, lifestyle, and values. Pact Coffee's
5
marketing strategy centres around targeting a specific segment of consumers –
the coffee-
conscious individual
– who typically are passionate about coffee, seeking high-quality beans,
ethical sourcing practices, and sustainable production methods. The targeted marketing
audience is classically well-educated, environmentally conscious, and values convenience and
personalised experiences. As such, this target audience can be categorised into the following
distinct groups
(Pact Coffee, no date)
;
Group
Attributes
The Coffee Connoisseur
This group has profound knowledge of coffee
and seeks specially grown and produced
beans, unique flavour profiles, and artisanal
brewing techniques that contribute to
improved customer experience. As such, this
target audience group invest in high-quality
coffee and appreciates the nuances of
different brewing methods (Maye, Kirwan,
and Brunori, 2019, p. 304).
The Ethically Conscious Consumer
This group typically encompasses individuals
who prioritise ethical sourcing practices of
coffee beans and are generally concerned
about the well-being of coffee farmers. As
such, they seek accountable and transparent
brands about their supply chains and equity in
the logistics cycle, where each associated
proponent is compensated fairly (Lingnau,
Fuchs, and Beham, 2019, p. 72).
The Convenience Seeking Coffee Lover
This group encompasses individuals who
value convenience and appreciate the ease of
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having coffee delivered to their doorsteps.
While they may not be as knowledgeable
about coffee as other segments, these
consumers still seek good-quality, ethically
sourced beans.
Positioning of Pact Coffee within the United Kingdom Coffee Industry
Pact Coffee's positioning is centred on its commitment to ethical sourcing,
sustainability, and creating a positive impact on the coffee industry from the consumer,
farmer, and brand perspectives. The company is distinct from its competitors because it
directly partners with coffee farmers, ensuring fair prices and supporting community
development initiatives. For instance, Pact Coffee has partnered with the UK-based charity
Cafod to support ethical and sustainable coffee production practices. This partnership helps
reinforce Pact Coffee's brand values and allows the company to connect with conscious
consumers interested in supporting sustainable and ethical causes
(
Maye, Kirwan, and Brunori,
2019, p. 307))
. Pact Coffee also emphasises its sustainable practices, from sourcing to
packaging, minimising its environmental footprint, such as carbon emissions and land
degradation. Such positioning echoes its target audience notions and sentiments, particularly
the first two groups, i.e.,
the coffee connoisseur and the ethically conscious consumer,
due to
its unwavering commitment and emphasis on quality, sustainability, and ethical practices,
which in turn appeals to these individuals' values and desire to make a positive impact.
Due to its small-scale status within a thriving coffee industry in the United Kingdom,
Pact Coffee faces competition from various coffee companies, particularly those with a
subscription-based business model in the UK, such as Subscription UK, Coffee Collective,
and Perk up Coffee. These services offer similar subscription options and cater to similar
consumer segments. However, Pact Coffee differentiates itself through its strong focus on
7
ethical sourcing, sustainability, and transparency. This manifests as the company's direct
partnerships with coffee farmers, fair trade initiatives, and commitment to sustainable
practices, which have redefined the organisation and set it apart from its competitors. Such
attributes align with the values of its target audience and contribute to its positioning as a
force for good in the coffee industry.
4.
Marketing mix
The marketing mix, commonly referred to as the
4 Ps,
is an essential marketing
framework that guides the adopted marketing strategies of a product or service by outlining
four core elements essential for a successful marketing campaign (
Ridwan and Hanafiah, 2021,
p. 274)
. Product refers to the physical/intangible attribute of the item sold and potential
benefits it offers a customer, i.e., how their product differentiates from competitors and what
unique value it offers to customers. Price refers to the amount a consumer needs to pay to
obtain a particular product or service offering and requires an articulate consideration of
production costs, competition, target market, and perceived value. On the other hand,
promotion encompasses methods used to communicate and increase the product's value to
potential consumers, i.e., persuading them to purchase the products. Promotion includes
advertisement, sales promotions, discounts, and direct marketing. Place is the final element
and refers to the distribution channels used to get the product or service to the customer. The
following is a breakdown of the marketing mix of Pact Coffee, UK;
i.
Product
Coffee
As the name suggests, Pact Coffee is a small coffee subscription brand that centres on
acquiring and delivering carefully curated and selected coffee beans from different coffee
farms globally. The coffee, typically sourced from revered coffee production zones, is a
pinnacle in business ethical and sustainability practices while ensuring product diversity. The
8
organisation incorporates a symphony of unique flavours that echo consumers' sentiments and
preferences. From the robust, earthy notes of Kenyan beans to the delicate intricacies
associated with Ethiopian Yirgacheffe, Pact Coffee's collection caters to every coffee
aficionado's preference.
ii.
Pricing
Pact Coffee's prices are competitive with other coffee subscription services, with the
company offering a variety of subscription plans based on the frequency of delivery and the
amount of coffee desired to suit different needs and budgets. Pact Coffee's pricing is
competitive with other coffee subscription services in the UK, such as Nescafe Dolce Gusto
and Costa Coffee. However, Pact Coffee's commitment to ethical sourcing and expert roasting
sets it apart from its competitors. According to the organisation's official website, the
company offers three different subscription plans: a weekly subscription, a fortnightly
subscription, and a monthly subscription. The weekly subscription costs £6.95 per bag, the
fortnightly subscription costs £13.90 per bag, and the monthly subscription costs £27.80 per
bag
(Pact Coffee, no date)
. The organisation also offers different coffee blends, with the
associated costs varying depending on the roast level and the amount purchased.
iii.
Place
The distribution location is significant for any organisation as the positioning attracts
local and global consumers. Pact Coffee's coffee is available online and through select
retailers. The company's website is intuitive, easy to use and navigate, and it provides
customers with a wealth of information about its coffee, brewing methods, and sustainability
initiatives that echo contemporary ecological concerns and the need for justifiable practices
that will safeguard and guarantee a better tomorrow for the future generations. Pact Coffee
also offers a variety of social media channels where customers can connect with the company
and learn about new products and promotions.
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iv.
Promotion
Also referred to as marketing communication, Pact Coffee uses a variety of marketing
channels to reach its target audience. These channels include:
Channel
Platform
Significance
Social Media
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
The company uses these
platforms to share stories,
reviews, and testimonials
about its coffee, farmers, and
sustainability initiatives (Li,
Larimo, and Leonidou, 2021,
p. 60).
Content Marketing
Blog posts
Articles
Multimedia content (video,
interviews, podcasts)
This
content
educates
consumers about coffee,
brewing
methods,
and
sustainability.
Email Marketing
Regular emails
Pact Coffee sends regular
emails to its subscribers with
information
about
new
products, promotions (sales
discounts and offers), and
company news.
5.
Recommendations
The organisation should adopt the following evidence-based recommendations to ensure a
bright future that will not only underscore the organisation's commitment to ethical and
sustainable practices but also ensure that there is practical return on investment and other
financial incentives;
10
i.
Pact Coffee should continue emphasising ethical sourcing and sustainability,
especially in an era where consumers are increasingly concerned about the ecological
and social implications of their purchases.
ii.
Pact Coffee should expand its outreach by making its coffee more available through
astute supply chain mechanisms that will increase the products’ presence in more retail
outlets such as grocery stores and coffee shops.
iii.
Pact Coffee can continue to engage its target audience by developing innovative
marketing campaigns that are both creative and informative.
6.
References
Castellana, F., De Nucci, S., De Pergola, G., Di Chito, M., Lisco, G., Triggiani, V., Sardone,
R. and Zupo, R., 2021. Trends in coffee and tea consumption during the COVID-19
pandemic.
Foods
,
10
(10), p.2458.
Dibb, S., Simkin, L., Pride, W.M. and Ferrell, O.C., 2019.
Marketing: Concepts and
strategies
. Cengage Learning EMEA.
11
Fonseca, L., Silva, V., Sá, J.C., Lima, V., Santos, G. and Silva, R., 2022. B Corp versus ISO
9001 and 14001 certifications: Aligned, or alternative paths, towards sustainable
development?
Corporate social responsibility and Environmental Management
,
29
(3),
pp.496-508.
Li, F., Larimo, J. and Leonidou, L.C., 2021. Social media marketing strategy: definition,
conceptualization, taxonomy, validation, and future agenda.
Journal of the Academy of
Marketing Science
,
49
, pp.51-70.
Maye, D., Kirwan, J. and Brunori, G., 2019. Ethics and responsibilisation in agri-food
governance: the single-use plastics debate and strategies to introduce reusable coffee
cups in UK retail chains.
Agriculture and human values
,
36
, pp.301-312.
Morgan, N.A., Whitler, K.A., Feng, H. and Chari, S., 2019. Research in marketing
strategy.
Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science
,
47
, pp.4-29.
Pact Coffee (no date)
The UK’s best coffee delivery & subscription service | Pact Coffee
.
https://www.pactcoffee.com/
.
Ridwan, M. and Hanafiah, H., 2021. Analysis of Coffee Shop Marketing Strategy Om Bewok:
Analisis Strategi Pemasaran Kedai Kopi Om Bewok.
Indonesian Journal of Economy,
Business, Entrepreneurship and Finance
,
1
(3), pp.274-283.
Trollman, H., Garcia-Garcia, G., Jagtap, S. and Trollman, F., 2022. Blockchain for
ecologically embedded coffee supply chains.
Logistics
,
6
(3), p.43.
12
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