Past Assignment - Sample 4
Past Assignment - Sample 4
MODULE CODE:MOD007662
SID:
CHOCOLATE.
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Introduction
This report provides a thorough analysis of Theo Chocolate company and market situation. The
Theo Chocolate company has been in the chocolate industry since it was founded in 2005 in
Seattle, Washington. This analysis explores the company’s fundamental ethos, mission, and
values that influence its operations amidst the dynamic market and consumer preference. The
analysis seeks to identify insights essential to Theo's sustained growth and competitive
advantage, by carefully examining the company's internal and external environments in the
context of the chocolate confectionery sub-market. Such insights form the basis for the
Theo Chocolate company has a mission and values centered around quality, accountability, and
compassion. This dedication goes beyond where its products are sourced to its workplace culture
and community participation programs. However, within these principles of ethical business
practices, several challenges and opportunities shape the company's current situation.
The company’s dedication to sourcing ethical raw materials sets the company apart. By carefully
selecting organic ingredients and paying a premium for high-quality, fair trade cocoa beans, the
brand cultivates a sense of responsibility towards all supply chain actors in addition to excellent
emphasis on sustainable farming practices, fair remuneration for farmers, and the avoidance of
forced child labor. Theo's workplace culture also prioritizes safety and fairness, as shown by
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their Fair for Life certification, which goes beyond fair trade obligations to guarantee that not
only farmers are treated fairly but also that their office and production facility are audited for fair
treatment of employees. The company's commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace and to
vibrant communities is demonstrated by its active Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee and
Despite these dedication, some challenges still exist. Though there are progress towards
sustainable packaging materials, the company has encountered difficulties because of strict
quality control needed to preserve taste and quality. The company faces a problem with heavy
metals like lead and cadmium found naturally in soil and air and their traces in their chocolates.
This is still an area that needs constant attention and improvement even with routine testing and
Theo Chocolate ethical practices and dedication to excellence are driven by the company’s
purpose, which is embodied in its mission statement and values. However, issues with
innovation, sourcing diversity, and environmental impact challenge the company's adherence to
these ideals and necessitate the development of strategic solutions that are consistent with their
basic principles.
This section seeks to analysis the Theo Chocolate company’s internal environment capabilities.
In order to gain a comprehensive picture of how the company's strategy, structure, systems, and
culture align or interact, it first applies the McKinsey's 7S Framework (Channon and Caldart,
2015; Suwanda and Nugroho, 2022), which highlights potential strengths and weaknesses in
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these areas. Afterwards, it applies the Barney's VRIN Framework (Barney, 1991) to explore
i. Strategy: The Theo Chocolate places a strong emphasis on fair trade, organic
ingredients, and community impact as part of its ethical sourcing approaches. This
becoming more valued (Del Prete and Samoggia, 2020) because it is consistent with their
ii. Structure: The structure of the Theo Chocolate company fosters a cooperative and
a decentralized structure, however, could make it more difficult to make decisions and
iii. Systems: Theo Chocolate's systems are centered on sustainability initiatives, strict safety
measures, and fair-trade certifications. These procedures support the company's ethical
reputation and are consistent with its core values. On the other hand, system complexity
may make it more difficult to make decisions or adjust quickly to changing market needs.
iv. Shared Values: The Theo Cholate Company’s shared principles place a strong emphasis
company's mission and culture become more coherent. But if there are disparities in how
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these values are applied or if they are not universally accepted at all levels, then there
could be a vulnerability.
v. Skills: Theo Chocolate is renowned for its proficiency in community involvement, high-
quality manufacturing, and ethical sourcing. The company's skill set is further
hand, there could be a risk associated with the lack of diversity skill set or difficulties in
vi. Staff: The company upholds an inclusive and diverse workforce that promotes
environmental responsibility, diversity, and worker safety. Any mismatch between staff
vii. Style: The Theo Chocolate Company bears a collaborative, employee-focused, and
mission-driven leadership style (Cardona and Rey, 2022). This style of leadership
can be gained by direct relationships when sourcing cocoa beans from the Democratic
Republic of the Congo. Over-reliance on one region for sourcing, however, could
jeopardize the stability of the supply chain. Similarly, in terms of employee expertise,
development is crucial.
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ii. Rare Competencies: Theo Chocolate stands out for its knowledge and expertise of fair
trade and organic methods, which is difficult to replicate quickly. But difficulties in
diversification of sources while upholding moral principles could be risky. Another of the
Theo Chocolate ethical business practices, mission-driven culture, and exclusive sourcing
ties; which is challenging for competitors to replicate. However, there is still room for
This detailed analysis of the McKinsey’s 7S Framework and Barney’s VRIN Framework
production as well as potential weaknesses in sourcing strategies, and innovation. These analysis
point to areas that require strategic attention for long-term growth and competitive positioning.
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2. External Environment Analysis
Political Factors: Theo Chocolate is subject to the effects of government policies and trade
restrictions in the political sphere. The cost of importing and exporting raw materials can be
impacted by changes in international trade agreements or tariffs (Anderson, 2010), which can
therefore have an effect on manufacturing costs. Moreover, the company's sourcing strategy,
production processes, and overall operating expenses are significantly influenced by changing
government regulations pertaining to labor standards, fair trade practices, and environmental
policies (Hepburn, 2010; Lambin and Thorlakson, 2018; Dube, 2019). Theo's commitment to
sustainable operations and ethical standards will not be possible without flexibility and proactive
Economic Factors: Theo Chocolate's operations are influenced by the constantly changing
economic situation, and market conditions also have a direct influence on the choices and
spending patterns of the consumers of the chocolate confectionery. (Roach, Goodwin and
Nelson, 2019; Zhao et al., 2021). Shifts in disposable income or economic downturns can have
an impact on consumer behavior (Sharma and Sonwalkar, 2013), and desire to indulge in
seemingly luxury goods like chocolate confectionery. Furthermore, changes in exchange rates
have a big effect on the price of imported raw materials (Jabara, 2009), which affects production
costs. Therefore, in order to stay competitive in the market, Theo Chocolate must continue to be
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Social Factors: Theo Chocolate operates in a social environment characterized by changing
consumer inclinations and social awareness. Within the chocolate confectionary market,
consumer choices are influenced by the growing trend of health consciousness and the desire of
healthier nutritional options (Del Prete and Samoggia, 2020). In order to adapt to changing tastes
and preferences, this transition necessitates creative product offerings that emphasize organic,
healthier, and ethically produced products. Furthermore, the market for ecologically friendly
items is driven by the public's growing concerns about sustainability and moral behavior (Zhang
and Dong, 2020; Reddy et al., 2023). In order to connect with socially concerned customers,
Theo Chocolate must therefore emphasize and express its all-time dedication to sustainability
how the Theo Chocolate operates and positions itself in the market. The impact of advancements
processes, and increase product quality, the company must constantly adapt to developing
technologies. Furthermore, since e-commerce expands quickly, distribution channels are being
transformed, and in order to adapt to the shifting purchasing habits of consumers, a strong online
presence and effective logistics are required (Gao et al., 2023). They need to consider utilizing
distribution channels to start expanding international shipping to outside the current focus on
Legal Factors: Legal considerations include labor rules (Dube, 2019), food regulations, and
labeling standards may keep changing. Production procedures and marketing strategies are also
governed by strict food safety laws and labeling specifications. In order to preserve customer
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confidence and quality standards, compliance with these requirements is essential. Additionally,
modifications to labor regulations may have an effect on manufacturing prices and employment
practices. For ethical practices and operational efficiency to be sustained, Theo Chocolate needs
to stay abreast on legal developments and make sure that they aligned themselves with industry
standards.
Environmental Factors: Environmental factors that affect Theo Chocolate's sourcing and
production processes include climate change and sustainability initiatives. The quality and
availability of cocoa beans can be impacted by climate change (Schroth et al., 2016), which
could also raise production costs and interfere with sourcing strategies. The company's
dedication to sustainability is crucial for overcoming these obstacles. Theo Chocolate needs to
put an emphasis on eco-friendly operations and sustainable sourcing methods in order to meet
market expectations and build brand loyalty as consumer preferences shift in favor of
economic, social, technological, legal, and environmental elements make up Theo Chocolate's
MACRO environment. Theo Chocolate need to adjust to these dynamic forces in order to stay
competitive in the market, uphold its ethical standards, and satisfy changing consumer needs for
MICRO Environment Analysis: Industry (Five Forces) Analysis of the Theo Chocolate
Within the chocolate confectionery sub-market, the Theo Chocolate need to navigates a
competitive MICRO environment shaped by a number of elements analyzed using the Five
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Threat of New Entrants: Newcomers are discouraged from entering the chocolate industry since
it requires significant upfront capital commitment for sourcing networks and production facilities
(Theo Chocolate, 2022). Furthermore, customers have developed strong brand loyalty and
familiarity for well-known companies such as the Theo Chocolate, which makes it difficult for
new competitors to quickly take market share. Furthermore, the strict commitments pertaining to
ethical sourcing, fair trade, and quality standards serve as obstacles, necessitating a substantial
Bargaining Power of Suppliers: In the cocoa beans market, suppliers have a moderate amount
of negotiating power. Although there is a reliance on particular sourcing regions that provide
distinctive quality, this reliance increases suppliers' bargaining strength and restricts possibilities.
Suppliers have negotiating power since they are obligated to follow fair trade and ethical
guidelines.
Bargaining Power of Buyers: Theo Chocolate's customers have a moderate to high degree of
negotiating power. Beyond just pricing, a varied range of consumers seeking sustainability,
ethical sourcing, and quality influences their decisions. Besides, consumers have more power to
demand transparency and ethical obligations from businesses due to the availability of substitute
Threat of Substitutes: The chocolate confectionery industry faces a moderate threat from the
existence of substitutes. Consumer demand for better snack options is being driven by the
growing trend of health consciousness (Okpiaifo et al., 2023), which may cause spending on
chocolate to decline. Furthermore, the market for premium chocolates may be impacted by
competition from a range of luxury options and experiences for consumer expenditure.
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Competitive Rivalry: There is a lot of competition in the chocolate confectionary sub-market. A
number of established companies and niche brands compete for market dominance by putting an
emphasis on flavor, quality, and ethical sourcing. Continual innovation and product range
diversity are essential tactics for maintaining market share in the face of competition. Because of
the market's sensitivity to price, pricing strategies have an impact on customer decisions (Ali and
To sum up the Theo Chocolate MICRO Environment Analysis, it can be noted that the company
works in a competitive market where brand loyalty and entry restrictions serve as protective
preferences, supplier power, the existence of substitutes, and competitive rivalry. Strengthening
relationships with suppliers, maintaining brand loyalty, ongoing innovation, and adapting to
changing customer preferences are all essential for Theo Chocolate to succeed in the competitive
This section analyses the Theo Chocolate's customer segmentation, which breaks down its
customer base into different demographic, psychographic, and behavioral factors, to provide an
Demographic Segmentation: The brand appeals to people of all ages and generational
boundaries. Younger generations who are drawn to organic and ethically sourced products
identify with Theo's dedication to sustainability. Older consumers value the brand's emphasis on
quality and moral behavior at the same time. Because Theo Chocolate is positioned as a premium
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urban and suburban areas are its stronghold, particularly those where ethical consumption, health
the demographic ones. Shared ideals define its clientele, which draws people who value moral
behavior, environmental responsibility, and community involvement. The company has a strong
affinity with customers who support fair trade and organic goods. Theo Chocolate confectionery
also appeals to others who share their lifestyle, such as health-conscious people,
Behavioral Segmentation: For Theo Chocolate, analyzing consumer behavior is essential. Its
popularity stems from drawing in regular customers looking for fine, high-end chocolate
confectionery. These customers are driven by sustainability and ethical issues in addition to the
chocolates. The company offers a wide range of tastes, specialty products, and distinctive flavor
profiles to satisfy chocolate enthusiasts. Theo Chocolate builds a loyal following of customers by
upholding high standards of quality, moral business conduct, and community involvement.
According to Theo Chocolate's customer segmentation, its varied clientele is brought together by
a common commitment to sustainability, quality, and ethical consumption. The brand utilizes
this detailed understanding to inform the development of product offerings and marketing
strategies that successfully appeal to the diverse range of consumers it serves. The unique
positioning of Theo Chocolate in the competitive chocolate industry stems from their capacity to
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Summary of the Macro and Micro Analysis
The analysis of the Macro and Micro environments of Theo Chocolate company presents a range
of opportunities and threats influencing the company's future in the chocolate sector. The macro
environment analysis points forth a number of opportunities. The company may use societal
movements towards health and sustainability to strengthen its focus on organic and ethically
sourced products, thereby conforming to changing consumer tastes. Furthermore, Theo has the
not only fits with Theo's philosophy but also enables the company to reaffirm its dedication to
environmentally responsible operations, in line with the growing global sustainability awareness
(Nordén and Avery, 2021). But risks are also present amidst these opportunities. Economic
volatility is a risk as shifts in the economy or in the currency values could have an effect on
consumer purchasing patterns and manufacturing expenses, which could have an impact on Theo
Chocolate’s profitability. Changes in regulations, especially those pertaining to labor laws, fair
trade, and food safety, may increase the company's operational difficulties and compliance costs.
Furthermore, procurement strategies may be disrupted by the effects of climate change on cocoa
bean availability and quality, which could affect the price and quality of the final product.
Meanwhile, the Theo Chocolate presents multiple opportunities within the micro environment.
Strong brand loyalty from the company discourages new competitors and promotes ongoing
client retention and loyalty. Its wide range of consumer demographics and psychographics makes
it possible to target marketing campaigns and develop cutting-edge product offers that are
confectionery sub-market, constant innovation in product offerings and packaging offers a way
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to stand out. But despite these advantages, difficulties can arise. Supplier power may have an
impact on pricing and supply chain dependability since it is reliant on particular cocoa bean
suppliers and is impacted by environmental conditions that affect sourcing. Growing consumer
awareness of sustainability and ethical business practices may increase demand for transparency
and sustainable commitments, which may have an impact on pricing decisions, leading to fierce
3. Recommendation
Product Concept: The "Wellness Indulgence" series will concentrate on developing a range of
chocolate treats that not only fulfill consumers' indulgent desires but also complement their
increasing focus on health and wellness. To appeal to consumers who are health-conscious, this
product line will have additional functional benefits alongside exceptional taste and superior
Product Features: In terms of the functional ingredients, the company need to incorporate
ingredients that are beneficial to health into the chocolates, such as probiotics for digestive
health, adaptogens such maca, and antioxidant-rich superfoods such as goji berries. To cater to
customers mindful of their sugar intake, Theo should provide variations with less sugar or use
preferences, Theo can extend the selection to include vegan and dairy-free options. Finally, in
order to strengthen the brand's eco-friendly reputation and reflect Theo's dedication to
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SWOT Analysis
This section presents Theo Chocolate's SWOT analysis which reveals important information
Strengths: One of Theo Chocolate strengths is its extensive use of ethical sources. Strong
relationships with farmers and a dedication to fair trade and organic ingredients have built a
stellar brand reputation and cultivated steadfast consumer devotion. The brand's well-established
reputation and devoted customer base are the result of its steady supply of high-quality
confectionery combined with ethical business conduct and proactive community service.
Furthermore, Theo provides a broad selection of products that appeal to a variety of tastes and
Weaknesses: Theo Chocolate battles with some issues despite its positive aspects. A
vulnerability arises from a company's reliance on specific suppliers for its cocoa beans, making it
vulnerable to environmental shifts that could disrupt the stability of its procurement. One barrier
to entering a larger worldwide market is the brand's restricted geographic reach, which is
concentrated on the United States and Canada. Furthermore, Theo's ability to employ
competitive pricing methods may be affected by the increased expenses linked to fair trade and
organic sourcing.
Opportunities: A plethora of opportunities and prospects beckon the Theo Chocolate. The
company has a fantastic opportunity to launch a line of chocolates in a wellness theme following
the growing trend of consumers who are more concerned with their health and wellbeing (Zhang
and Dong, 2020; Nekmahmud et al., 2022). Leveraging technology developments could improve
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interaction. Another direction for development is to emphasize environmentally friendly
volatility, which is prone to fluctuations, can influence consumer buying habits and escalate
production prices. New regulations pertaining to labor legislation, fair trade, and food safety also
present threats on operations. Furthermore, the brand's sourcing stability and overall product
quality may be threatened by the effects of climate change on cocoa bean quality, availability,
SWOT Analysis
tastes.
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- Competitive pricing methods may be affected by the higher expenses
consciousness.
spending.
of cocoa beans.
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Marketing Opportunities Identified:
- Launch of a chocolate brand with a wellness theme to appeal to customers who are health-
conscious.
- Enhancing eco-friendly packaging and other sustainability measures to better reflect the
The SWOT analysis underscores pertinent marketing opportunities which the Theo Chocolate
can take advantage of. The opportunity is in creating chocolate brands with a wellness focus to
viable path. Increasingly environmentally conscious packaging and other sustainable methods
aligns with customers' growing environmental consciousness. The SWOT analysis summarizes
Theo Chocolate's fundamental strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. It also provides
strategic recommendations for leveraging market trends and strengthening the company's
Opportunity Response: This innovative series aligns with the desire for indulgent treats with
added health advantages, following the growing consumer trend towards health-conscious
lifestyle. The product meets the market demand for high-quality, health-conscious chocolate
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Target Market: The "Wellness Indulgence" chocolate confectionery series will resonate with
diverse consumer groups, such as health-conscious consumers, wellness enthusiasts, and dietary-
restricted audiences.
The primary marketing activities tailored to reach these target audiences include:
i. Product Launch Campaign: Encourage prospective buyers to interact with the series by
posting enticing social media teasers that showcases its indulgence and wellness
advantages (Nekmahmud et al., 2022). Besides, Theo should work with wellness
bloggers, nutritionists, and health influencers to get product reviews and endorsements.
ii. Targeted Advertising: Employing targeted ads on social media sites targeting
communities dedicated to health and wellbeing. Employing sponsored content and banner
ads in websites or magazines that have a wellness theme will also help.
iii. In-Store Promotions: Hosting tasting sessions and product samplings at the Theo
Chocolate's flagship store. To attract attention, Theo should use eye-catching in-store
displays that highlight the health advantages and environmentally friendly packaging.
iv. Partnerships and Collaborations: Looking for partnerships with wellness centers, gyms,
consumers.
v. Content Marketing and Education: Creating engaging podcasts, videos, or blog posts
that cover topics including wellness tips, and the advantages of functional ingredients in
The purpose of this marketing strategy is to proactively engage with health-conscious consumers
and effectively introduce and promote the "Wellness Indulgence" Chocolate Series, emphasizing
the product's unique selling proposition of combining indulgence with wellness advantages. By
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employing a diverse range of strategies such as targeted advertising, partnerships, and content
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