Business-Concept Application: SWOT Analyses Ben and Jerrys Company (Coursework Sample)

SWOT analyses of Ben & Jerry’s
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SWOT Analyses - Ben and Jerry’s Company
SWOT is usually an acronym for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, where it is a structured planning tool or method that typically analyses the four components of business, project r organization (Yongwook, n.d). In this paper, we are going to evaluate or undertake a SWOT analysis for the Ben and Jerry’s ice-cream company that was started in 1978.
1. What are Ben and Jerry’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats?
Some of the strengths of the company are that it is prestigious which in an attracting point to many of its customers as it creates a class for those who purchase there. The company is well established, where it has had successful global operations making sales in Europe, Asia, and the USA. It has been able to give back to society through corporate social responsibilities activities and in conserving the environment. On weakness, there has been embezzlement of funds by its employees such in 2006 by Stuart Wiles. The company though it succeeds there was a lack of professionalism in its management body, and there was no clear mission they wanted to fulfill.
The opportunities created today are the demand of fat-free ice cream and frozen yogurt products which are the main products of the company. There is more growing demand for the ice cream in new markets such as Asia. The company faces some threats such as changing product preferences in the market thus demanding product change or proper marketing. There is stiff competition from other food companies such as Kraft Foods, Nestle and others who also operate globally thus need for better strategies for their product to remain marketable and succeed in any new market they take to sell their product (SWOT Analysis of Ben & Jerry | Ice Cream - pt.scribd.com, n.d).
2. Additional SWOT one can add
Some of the other strengths of the company are that it is philanthropic and donates $1.1 million to assist in controlling environmental pollution and in saving families. The company’s products are of quality with different titles such as ‘Cherry Garcia or Chubby Hubby’ which is an attracting point to many of the consumers. Its primary strategy is diversification such as children’s clothing which usually increases company’s presence in the market minimizing dependency on just one or two products.
On weakness in the year 2006, the company has stopped using Michael Food as their suppliers as Michael was alleged to treat chickens with inhumane. Despite their focus on more than corporate social responsibilities, it could be harmful leading to shifting focus away from important business matters. There is need to have more experienced management which will assist in more growth.
The opportunity they hold is that people are looking for healthier food and the company offers one of the healthiest ice creams. There are also in a position to capitalize on unique desired flavors of other countries and culture which will attract more customers and expand their market share as most of the consumers will have a choice of what they require. On the threat side, most consumers are concerned about fattening dessert products especially in the company’s market which demands in more nutritious products. The products are also prone to contamination from e-Coli which could be dangerous if it is consumed thus the need to keep that in check and avoid any contamination to the products.
3. Analyzing the threats of the Ben & Jerry’s company and how to address them.
Any business is faced with threats, and Ben & Jerry’s company is not exceptional. Some of its threats include stiff competition from major food companies operating worldwide. There is much product preference changing by its consumers and thus the need for change in the products according to what the customers want. There is an increase in prices of the milk due to increase in feed prices, and the milk production is reducing thus may not be enough to meet the global demand for milk. There is avoidance of fattening dessert products by most of the customers in the market, where they are demanding more nutritious products.
What can be done to address the issue include developing a proper market survey which will assist in understand consumers wants which will help in customizing their products to meet users preferences. It should also focus on establishing marketing strategies where they will be able to reach more customers globally to enhance more sales. The company should continue in manufacturing quality products which should be accompanied by proper advertising to create more awareness about the business’s product. The company can focus on establishing a modern dairy farm where they will be able to source milk to curb the shortage. The company should also concentrate on manufacturing products which are a healthier product with reduced fat components which will give the company a better image and more profit making. The company should continue in developing interesting and delicious products such as the new beer which it partnered with New Belgium Brewing which will assist in staying in the market.
4. Additional opportunities for Ben & Jerry’s
The company can expand their famous line of products which will help ...