"9 Reasons to Love Ben & Jerry's That Have Nothing to do with the Ice Cream"
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/15/ben-and-jerrys-love_n_3726083.html
Ben & Jerry's, as a huge competitor, has once again won many customers' hearts, one of the main reasons is their perspective on employees. Ben & Jerry's provide starting employees with salary double the minimum wage, are responsible to help put the unemployed to work, detail checkups on customer service, "Caring Dairy" program dedicated to keep cows and farmers happy, and other ethical implications within the business. The mere legal factor where Ben & Jerry's pay their startup employees with double the minimum wage is a threat that can be posed to Cold Stones. Since there are lots of university students that are looking for a job, be it part time or full time, they might choose Ben & Jerry's over Cold Stones due to the pay rate. This allows Cold Stones to be put at a disadvantage when having a smaller workforce, as the demand for employment in Ben & Jerry's is preferably greater than that of Cold Stones.
Thursday, March 6
Pest Factor Analysis (Environmental)
"Bee decline overshadows Endangered Species Act's 40th Anniversary"
http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2013/12/28/bees-in-trouble-on40thanniversaryoftheendangeredspeciesact.html
Bees have now become of the the most endangered species in the world due to the large amount of pesticides in their habitat. Bees are essential to the making process of ice cream, as honey is a significant sweetening ingredient. The endangerment of bees poses a threat to Cold Stones, as the making of ice cream will decrease the amount of bees even more, and more importantly, they might even have an access to bees. Since one of their most popular toppings are honey or honey crunches Cold Stone might need to create and develop a way to come up with new ingredients in order to satisfy customers and is in consideration of nature's environment.
http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2013/12/28/bees-in-trouble-on40thanniversaryoftheendangeredspeciesact.html
Bees have now become of the the most endangered species in the world due to the large amount of pesticides in their habitat. Bees are essential to the making process of ice cream, as honey is a significant sweetening ingredient. The endangerment of bees poses a threat to Cold Stones, as the making of ice cream will decrease the amount of bees even more, and more importantly, they might even have an access to bees. Since one of their most popular toppings are honey or honey crunches Cold Stone might need to create and develop a way to come up with new ingredients in order to satisfy customers and is in consideration of nature's environment.
Pest Factor Analysis (Social)
"Wendy's Employee Probably Loves Ice Cream Too Much"
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/12/wendys-ice-cream-photo_n_3430262.html
A taco bell employee was fired after he took a photo of him licking a stack of taco shells potentially distributed to customers. Another employee was fired from Wendy's as he was taking some Frosty ice cream straight from the ice cream machine. This unacceptable behaviour seen among employees of Wendy's reinforces the employment expectations of suitable behaviour in Cold Stones. The news of the irresponsible behaviour from other companies' employees poses an opportunity for Cold Stones to bypass their standards in order to shape a better brand image compared to theirs. Cold Stones should seize the opportunity to promote training for employees, as well as communicate clearly to what employees are expected of. The responsible and accountable behaviour that the employees demonstrate plays a huge part to their reputation, hence the service employees provide for customers is essential in determining their success.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/12/wendys-ice-cream-photo_n_3430262.html
A taco bell employee was fired after he took a photo of him licking a stack of taco shells potentially distributed to customers. Another employee was fired from Wendy's as he was taking some Frosty ice cream straight from the ice cream machine. This unacceptable behaviour seen among employees of Wendy's reinforces the employment expectations of suitable behaviour in Cold Stones. The news of the irresponsible behaviour from other companies' employees poses an opportunity for Cold Stones to bypass their standards in order to shape a better brand image compared to theirs. Cold Stones should seize the opportunity to promote training for employees, as well as communicate clearly to what employees are expected of. The responsible and accountable behaviour that the employees demonstrate plays a huge part to their reputation, hence the service employees provide for customers is essential in determining their success.
Pest Factor Analysis (Technological)
"The Science behind Ice Cream's Magic"
http://www.unilever.co.uk/innovation/researchanddevelopment/thesciencebehindicecreamsmagic.aspx
Unilever, has improved their ice cream quality and creaminess by developing new technology. The innovative technology allows the ice cream to retain its small air bubbles and the other microstructure to be maintain as a freshly produce ice cream. This poses a threat to Cold Stones Creamery as they do not have this high technology that retains the freshness of the ice cream, hence putting them to a disadvantage over their competitors. The technology created by Unilever also allows consumers to have low fat ice cream with full fat quality; posing another threat. Since Cold Stones Creamery is a traditional ice cream company that provides customers various choices of normal ice cream, they are immediately put to a disadvantage over Unilever for health-concious customers. Not only that, but the ice cream Unilever is creating is not only healthier, but better in quality, which is two factors most customers emphasize on. Therefore, Cold Stones must redeem themselves by investing in new technology or market their products in a way that might hinder the health implications behind their products.
http://www.unilever.co.uk/innovation/researchanddevelopment/thesciencebehindicecreamsmagic.aspx
Unilever, has improved their ice cream quality and creaminess by developing new technology. The innovative technology allows the ice cream to retain its small air bubbles and the other microstructure to be maintain as a freshly produce ice cream. This poses a threat to Cold Stones Creamery as they do not have this high technology that retains the freshness of the ice cream, hence putting them to a disadvantage over their competitors. The technology created by Unilever also allows consumers to have low fat ice cream with full fat quality; posing another threat. Since Cold Stones Creamery is a traditional ice cream company that provides customers various choices of normal ice cream, they are immediately put to a disadvantage over Unilever for health-concious customers. Not only that, but the ice cream Unilever is creating is not only healthier, but better in quality, which is two factors most customers emphasize on. Therefore, Cold Stones must redeem themselves by investing in new technology or market their products in a way that might hinder the health implications behind their products.
Pest Factor Analysis (Ethical)
"Ben & Jerry's may make warm ice cream to reduce emissions"
http://www.environmentalleader.com/2009/08/26/fighting-climate-change-with-warm-ice-cream/
Unilever, the maker of Ben & Jerry's ice cream, is exploring ways to create ice cream that is made, shipped and sold warm, having the consumer at the final step to freeze the product. Since keeping ice cream cold throughout the supply chain impacts energy and emissions worldwide, it is an ethical approach to consider the environment as well as satisfying consumer experience. This idea of Ben & Jerry's is an ethical consideration that plays at a disadvantage to Cold Stones, since they have not yet considered an ethical approach to their making of ice cream. This poses a threat to Cold Stones as customers may prefer and purchase Ben & Jerry's as a competitor brand rather than Cold Stones due to the support Ben & Jerry's has to the environment. Cold Stones may also have an unfavourable brand image compared to Ben & Jerry's as they lack corporate social responsibility. Though this may put Cold Stones at a reputation disadvantage, it might also play a role in waking them up to develop a strategy to catch onto Ben & Jerrys' idea of reducing energy and emissions when freezing ice cream throughout supply chain.
http://www.environmentalleader.com/2009/08/26/fighting-climate-change-with-warm-ice-cream/
Unilever, the maker of Ben & Jerry's ice cream, is exploring ways to create ice cream that is made, shipped and sold warm, having the consumer at the final step to freeze the product. Since keeping ice cream cold throughout the supply chain impacts energy and emissions worldwide, it is an ethical approach to consider the environment as well as satisfying consumer experience. This idea of Ben & Jerry's is an ethical consideration that plays at a disadvantage to Cold Stones, since they have not yet considered an ethical approach to their making of ice cream. This poses a threat to Cold Stones as customers may prefer and purchase Ben & Jerry's as a competitor brand rather than Cold Stones due to the support Ben & Jerry's has to the environment. Cold Stones may also have an unfavourable brand image compared to Ben & Jerry's as they lack corporate social responsibility. Though this may put Cold Stones at a reputation disadvantage, it might also play a role in waking them up to develop a strategy to catch onto Ben & Jerrys' idea of reducing energy and emissions when freezing ice cream throughout supply chain.
Pest Factor Analysis (Economic)
"Global economic factors driving up ice cream prices"
http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2011/06/19/global_economic_factors_driving_up_ice_cream_prices/
Fast growing rises in ice cream prices are definitely connected to the world economy, however is it connected to the customer paying the price? The process of how an ice cream scoop develops from raw materials to a finished product is simply a combination of milk, butter and sugar, though the cost of an ice cream is not as simple as that. Other commodities and ingredients used within the making of ice cream have had their prices soared due to the rising demand, weather and other issues. Therefore, this increase in pricing of ice cream brings opportunities for Cold Stones Creamery. Not only do Cold Stones have the advantage of high demand in ice cream, but this might also lead them to cover and gain a great percentage of market share. The economic surroundings of selling ice cream has been positive recently, hence Cold Stones can take that forces and pushing food prices to market to consumers and satisfy their needs and wants. At this point, many other ice cream companies are also benefitting from the high demand, which might pose threats to Cold Stones; such as competition. However, this can be turned around if Cold Stones can differentiate itself from its competitors by offering a unique selling point that might bolster sales and grasp customers.
http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2011/06/19/global_economic_factors_driving_up_ice_cream_prices/
Fast growing rises in ice cream prices are definitely connected to the world economy, however is it connected to the customer paying the price? The process of how an ice cream scoop develops from raw materials to a finished product is simply a combination of milk, butter and sugar, though the cost of an ice cream is not as simple as that. Other commodities and ingredients used within the making of ice cream have had their prices soared due to the rising demand, weather and other issues. Therefore, this increase in pricing of ice cream brings opportunities for Cold Stones Creamery. Not only do Cold Stones have the advantage of high demand in ice cream, but this might also lead them to cover and gain a great percentage of market share. The economic surroundings of selling ice cream has been positive recently, hence Cold Stones can take that forces and pushing food prices to market to consumers and satisfy their needs and wants. At this point, many other ice cream companies are also benefitting from the high demand, which might pose threats to Cold Stones; such as competition. However, this can be turned around if Cold Stones can differentiate itself from its competitors by offering a unique selling point that might bolster sales and grasp customers.
Pest Factor (Political)
"First Lady Proposes to Ban Fast foods to ban junk food marketing schools"
http://www.nbcnews.com/health/kids-health/first-lady-proposes-ban-junk-food-marketing-schools-n38201
Michelle Obama has recently spoken out ban companies who are marketing fast foods to students in public schools, including sugary drinks and unhealthy snacks, one of which being ice cream. She has proposed the program of "Let's Move" which obstruct childhood obesity. The restriction and new policy of companies not being able to market and sell to students their unhealthy food products poses a threat to Cold Stones. Since students are not able to buy and consume products of Cold Stones during school, which is most of the day, Cold Stones might lose sales and profit from this, essentially potentially declining gradually in market share.
http://www.nbcnews.com/health/kids-health/first-lady-proposes-ban-junk-food-marketing-schools-n38201
Michelle Obama has recently spoken out ban companies who are marketing fast foods to students in public schools, including sugary drinks and unhealthy snacks, one of which being ice cream. She has proposed the program of "Let's Move" which obstruct childhood obesity. The restriction and new policy of companies not being able to market and sell to students their unhealthy food products poses a threat to Cold Stones. Since students are not able to buy and consume products of Cold Stones during school, which is most of the day, Cold Stones might lose sales and profit from this, essentially potentially declining gradually in market share.
Pest Factor Analysis (Political)
"Americans Split Over Government Role on Obesity"
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/01/04/poll-government-role-fat/1808975/
Studies from a poll demonstrates the high amount of Americans who believe the nation's fat epidemic is caused by the great amount of unhealthy fast foods presented in the country. They believe that the government should hold back and not implicate additional "fat taxes" into fast foods. This perception by American citizens poses a threat to Cold Stones Creamery, as the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) potentially could begin implicating restrictions and developing new policies on ice cream and other unhealthy foods to restrict Americans from obesity. Not only will the possible polices cause a decrease in Cold Stones' sales, but a decline in market share.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/01/04/poll-government-role-fat/1808975/
Studies from a poll demonstrates the high amount of Americans who believe the nation's fat epidemic is caused by the great amount of unhealthy fast foods presented in the country. They believe that the government should hold back and not implicate additional "fat taxes" into fast foods. This perception by American citizens poses a threat to Cold Stones Creamery, as the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) potentially could begin implicating restrictions and developing new policies on ice cream and other unhealthy foods to restrict Americans from obesity. Not only will the possible polices cause a decrease in Cold Stones' sales, but a decline in market share.
Pest Factor Analysis (Technological)
"Ice Cream Sandwiches Take NYC by storm"
http://www.myfoxny.com/story/22798817/ice-cream-sandwiches-take-nyc-by-storm
While Cold Stones is developing new flavours and plans for their ice cream, companies in New York have already forgotten the traditional ice cream cone, but instead have upgraded to ice cream sandwiches. The 55 types of sandwiches available include "the class", chocolate chip walnut cookies, peanut butter cookie, nearly anything you can think of. This high demand of ice cream sandwiches poses an opportunity as well as a threat to Cold Stones Creamery. The opportunity would be that since this is mostly based on New York, the high demand can spark Cold Stones to bring and develop this idea in smaller towns within America and international franchises around the world. This demand for ice cream sandwiches can not only inspire Cold Stones to come out with a new product, but may even allow them to develop a unique selling point or competitive advantage in smaller towns which might not have high quality sandwiches available. However, a threat that can be posed to Cold Stones is the mere fact that they might have to face competition with these Ice Cream Sandwich companies that are currently with lots of hype and acceptance from customers. Not only have they reached out all the way to Paris, they have hit special features like Macron ice cream sandwiches which are in huge demand, as well as toppings customers can add to their sandwiches. These innovative ice cream sandwiches are a growing trend, which will hinder Cold Stones' progress as a traditional ice cream brand that sells classic, conventional treats. Not only will this potentially deteriorate Cold Stones' brand image, but also their market share if their sales decline due to competition with other companies.
http://www.myfoxny.com/story/22798817/ice-cream-sandwiches-take-nyc-by-storm
While Cold Stones is developing new flavours and plans for their ice cream, companies in New York have already forgotten the traditional ice cream cone, but instead have upgraded to ice cream sandwiches. The 55 types of sandwiches available include "the class", chocolate chip walnut cookies, peanut butter cookie, nearly anything you can think of. This high demand of ice cream sandwiches poses an opportunity as well as a threat to Cold Stones Creamery. The opportunity would be that since this is mostly based on New York, the high demand can spark Cold Stones to bring and develop this idea in smaller towns within America and international franchises around the world. This demand for ice cream sandwiches can not only inspire Cold Stones to come out with a new product, but may even allow them to develop a unique selling point or competitive advantage in smaller towns which might not have high quality sandwiches available. However, a threat that can be posed to Cold Stones is the mere fact that they might have to face competition with these Ice Cream Sandwich companies that are currently with lots of hype and acceptance from customers. Not only have they reached out all the way to Paris, they have hit special features like Macron ice cream sandwiches which are in huge demand, as well as toppings customers can add to their sandwiches. These innovative ice cream sandwiches are a growing trend, which will hinder Cold Stones' progress as a traditional ice cream brand that sells classic, conventional treats. Not only will this potentially deteriorate Cold Stones' brand image, but also their market share if their sales decline due to competition with other companies.
Pest Factor Analysis (Sociocultural)
"When Ice Cream Sales rise, So Do Homicides"
http://www.slate.com/blogs/crime/2013/07/09/warm_weather_homicide_rates_when_ice_cream_sales_rise_homicides_rise_coincidence.html
A study within the article shows that there might be a possible correlation between homicides and ice cream sales. This is due to the partnered growth of when ice cream sales increase, the rate of homicides increase as well. Though this may be a mere statistical coincidence, the idea of hot weather causing crime, might allow people to believe and think differently. This circulating report might change Cold Stones' customers perceptions of ice cream which poses a threat to Cold Stones. Due to this perception, customers might have a negative perspectives on ice cream which will affect Cold Stones' sales and brand image overall. This threat might not weigh a lot, however, the connotation of ice cream among customers might affect their overall perception of Cold Stones.
Pest Factor Analysis (Environmental)
"Shorter Summers Slow Ice Cream Sales Growth"
http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/shorter-summers-slows-ice-cream-sales-growth-113102800647_1.html
Ice Cream has been seen to lower sales growth during the summer months due to bad summers. Studies shown in this article states that the shorter the summer; the lesser the sales of ice cream. This plays a huge impact on Cold Stones as it will provide them with threats. One of the threats would be the loss of consumers. Since the summer months have shorten, Cold Stones might encounter the loss of customers who are craving or desiring this cold treat, hence a slow growth in sales which will allow their profit/revenue to decline. This not only will affect their market share in the economy but might also require Cold Stones to redeem themselves, and will need to spend more money to further advertise and market to the general public, persuading them to purchase their products.
http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/shorter-summers-slows-ice-cream-sales-growth-113102800647_1.html
Ice Cream has been seen to lower sales growth during the summer months due to bad summers. Studies shown in this article states that the shorter the summer; the lesser the sales of ice cream. This plays a huge impact on Cold Stones as it will provide them with threats. One of the threats would be the loss of consumers. Since the summer months have shorten, Cold Stones might encounter the loss of customers who are craving or desiring this cold treat, hence a slow growth in sales which will allow their profit/revenue to decline. This not only will affect their market share in the economy but might also require Cold Stones to redeem themselves, and will need to spend more money to further advertise and market to the general public, persuading them to purchase their products.
Pest Factor Analysis (Technological)
"Ben and Jerry's Nails it with New Core Ice Cream Flavors
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/25/ben-jerrys-core-ice-cream_n_4854680.html
Ben and Jerry has recently come up with a new, witty ice cream feature within their range of products, which are four new flavours of "Ben & Jerry's Cores". This features a core centre of either fudge, caramel or raspberry jam running down the middle of the ice cream pint. Ben & Jerry's Cores allow the consumers to get two flavours in one pint, along with a filling centre in the entire container, top to bottom. This new combination of flavours in one pint developed from Ben & Jerry's gives Cold Stones a few threats. One of which is the competition between them. Since Ben & Jerry's and Cold Stones Creamery are close competitors, the new feature of their ice cream might allow customers to shift from one brand to another. The idea not only gives Ben & Jerry's a competitive advantage, but a unique selling point that Cold Stones Creamery does not have. This threat might impact Cold Stones' brand image and sales if they lose customer loyalty through this.
Spiegel, Alison. "Ben & Jerry's Nails It With New Core Ice Cream Flavors." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 25 Feb. 2014. Web. 06 Mar. 2014. <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/25/ben-jerrys-core-ice-cream_n_4854680.html>.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/25/ben-jerrys-core-ice-cream_n_4854680.html
Ben and Jerry has recently come up with a new, witty ice cream feature within their range of products, which are four new flavours of "Ben & Jerry's Cores". This features a core centre of either fudge, caramel or raspberry jam running down the middle of the ice cream pint. Ben & Jerry's Cores allow the consumers to get two flavours in one pint, along with a filling centre in the entire container, top to bottom. This new combination of flavours in one pint developed from Ben & Jerry's gives Cold Stones a few threats. One of which is the competition between them. Since Ben & Jerry's and Cold Stones Creamery are close competitors, the new feature of their ice cream might allow customers to shift from one brand to another. The idea not only gives Ben & Jerry's a competitive advantage, but a unique selling point that Cold Stones Creamery does not have. This threat might impact Cold Stones' brand image and sales if they lose customer loyalty through this.
Spiegel, Alison. "Ben & Jerry's Nails It With New Core Ice Cream Flavors." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 25 Feb. 2014. Web. 06 Mar. 2014. <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/25/ben-jerrys-core-ice-cream_n_4854680.html>.
Pest Factor Analysis (Sociocultural)
"Kids Tasting Ice Cream For the First Time Are Completely Delicious (VIDEO)"
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/26/kids-tasting-ice-cream-for-first-time_n_1915939.html
Some of us are lucky enough to have tasted ice cream, however there are some children who have never experienced this cold, sweet treat. This article, talks about the joys of eating ice cream for the very first time, reliving through a the most delicious childhood moments. Evidently, there is a wide range of demographics that accept and enjoy ice cream, however, the fact that most kids enjoy this treat means there are opportunities hindered within this for Cold Stones Creamery. If children enjoy ice cream, Cold Stones can seize the opportunity to market to children, whether it'd be colourful posters or unique flavours, they can grasp onto these young consumers. However, one of the potential threats this might have for Cold Stones, is that the parents of young children would not want their kids to be associated with unhealthy treats, like ice cream. Therefore, Cold Stones will need to develop a marketing scheme or strategy that will satisfy health-concious parents as well as children.
Mustich, Emma. "Kids Tasting Ice Cream For The First Time Are Completely Delicious (VIDEO)." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 26 Sept. 2012. Web. 06 Mar. 2014. <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/26/kids-tasting-ice-cream-for-first-time_n_1915939.html>.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/26/kids-tasting-ice-cream-for-first-time_n_1915939.html
Some of us are lucky enough to have tasted ice cream, however there are some children who have never experienced this cold, sweet treat. This article, talks about the joys of eating ice cream for the very first time, reliving through a the most delicious childhood moments. Evidently, there is a wide range of demographics that accept and enjoy ice cream, however, the fact that most kids enjoy this treat means there are opportunities hindered within this for Cold Stones Creamery. If children enjoy ice cream, Cold Stones can seize the opportunity to market to children, whether it'd be colourful posters or unique flavours, they can grasp onto these young consumers. However, one of the potential threats this might have for Cold Stones, is that the parents of young children would not want their kids to be associated with unhealthy treats, like ice cream. Therefore, Cold Stones will need to develop a marketing scheme or strategy that will satisfy health-concious parents as well as children.
Mustich, Emma. "Kids Tasting Ice Cream For The First Time Are Completely Delicious (VIDEO)." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 26 Sept. 2012. Web. 06 Mar. 2014. <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/26/kids-tasting-ice-cream-for-first-time_n_1915939.html>.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)