Abstract This paper discusses the history and developments of the dogfoodindustry. It specifically focuses on the history of dogfood companies and their marketing strategies. The paper then discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the major competitors within the dogfoodindustry. Finally, it looks at the role of culture and the effect that it has on the marketing of dogfood.
Outline:
History
Recent Developments
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Major Competitors/Top Brands
Different Consumer Segments
Role of Culture
From the Paper "The Canadian pet food industry is strong as evidenced by the fact that Canada was the 12th country in the world pet food exports in 2004 (Food and Agricultural Organization, 2006). The Canadian dog food market has recently witnessed the growth of unique pet foods. (Bennett, 2007). The overall analysis of the market shows two new major lines of products as well as the popularization of special foods. The two new lines of dog food products include the food sauces and oral hygiene chewing treats. The food sauces are designed to improve the taste of dry food and make the same food taste differently on daily basis. They are developed in such a manner to complement the nutrition value of the dry meal. The oral hygiene treats are aimed at improving dog's dental care. Even though they do not replace regular teeth brushing, they are a great and easy to apply supplement. This product is manufactured by major dog food companies (see further below) as well as the specialized ones, like Virbac in the USA. The development of special foods is likely connected to the raising awareness of food quality in humans (Roberts, 2006). As Tarnowski (2006) sums up this trend: "'Natural', 'functional' and 'healthy are three key factors driving pets food sales in America today - a direct result of the 'humanization trend" (pg. 72). This not only increased the quality of dog food as well but also led to the development of food specially designed for, for example, overweight dogs, dogs with reduced activity, and those with stomach problems."
Abstract A critique of the fast foodindustry that discusses Eric Schlosser's book, "Fast Food Nation" and Morgan Spurlock's documentary film, "Supersize Me". It contends that both present ample evidence that the health and longevity of the American people are being severely damaged by the fast foodindustry.
From the Paper "Eric Schlosser's, "Fast Food Nation" uses the truth to persuade his readers of the reality of the facts and opinions presented in his book. Unlike the devious deceptive and manipulative methods used by the fast food industry to stimulate sales on ..."
Abstract This paper examines the fast foodindustry, a rather controversial industry within the United States and on an international basis. The paper maintains that it is useful to understand some major tenets of its operations and to use these as comparative measures to see if the strategic objectives of the industry are different or similar to that of other industries. It adds that it is also useful to understand the business management aspects of the fast foodindustry model. The paper chooses three criteria - automation, uniformity, and low prices - and provides a critical review of these criteria in the fast foodindustry. These are then compared to other industries for a crucial review of the overall fast foodindustry model. The paper includes graphs and charts.
Outline:
Introduction
Automation: Fast FoodIndustry Technological Advancements
Insurance and Fast Food: Comparison of Automation Criteria
Uniformity in the Fast FoodIndustry Exploring the Uniform Criteria: Comparing the Fast Food and Coffee Shop Chains
Low Prices in the Fast FoodIndustry: Is that Necessarily a Negative Criterion?
Low Pricing Model: Comparison of Wal-Mart and Fast Food Companies
Conclusion
From the Paper "Automation within the industry has been noted to optimize efficiency, enhance physical and financial assets, and to minimize waste, all of which increases the profit margin for many companies within the industry. Automation in the fast food industry is primarily driven by consumers increased demand. For example, McDonald's has utilized a mobile point of sale software at some locations to increase sales by serving more drive-thru customers faster, increasing accuracy for orders, and decreasing the standard wait time in the store."
Abstract This paper explains that a faster-paced lifestyle with more women joining the workforce results in the detriment of "traditional" American family meals, but it is an enormous advantage to the fast foodindustry; virtually everyone loves fast food, even though there are concerns about health, and the industry is firmly established around the world. The author points out that the multi-billion dollar fast foodindustry today is said to have been started in 1936 by Maria del Gray, who named the original McDonald's after her fiancee who was killed in a vehicular accident; Ray Kroc later founded the McDonald's franchise system based on del Gray's McDonald's. The paper concludes the process of "McDonaldization" continues to spread the inexorable forces of capitalism and standardized food products around the world; everyone is eating fast foods, even if they are protesting it as soon as they are finished with their burgers and fries.
Table of Contents
Review and Discussion
Background and Overview
Social Effects
Structural Changes in the Fast FoodIndustry Figure: Franchise Percentages Owned by Parent Company as of 1991
Current and Future Trends
"McDonaldization"
Fast Food's Impact on Health
Focus on Service
Conclusion
From the Paper "Today, the fast food industry has evolved in a number of important ways from the early days of Maria del Gray's McDonalds. The fast food industry is highly competitive, but remains fairly homogeneous and nonunion; however, some restaurant outlets are owned and operated by parent companies while others are owned and operated by individual franchisees. In a typical franchise agreement, the franchisor (known as the parent company) grants the franchisee a license to operate a standardized restaurant with a specified technology and widely recognized trademark; in exchange, the franchisee pays the parent company a fixed fee and a monthly royalty on gross sales (Krueger says this is generally 8 percent). In some instances, the franchisee will be required to post an explicit performance bond as well. The total start-up cost of a franchised restaurant in a major chain is ordinarily between $400,000 and $600,000."
Abstract This paper looks at the global features and implications of conducting international operations within the fast foodindustry. It also analyzes the macro and micro environments affecting the fast foodindustry in the United States. It then looks at how changes in consumer behavior and successful management have resulted in the growth of the fast foodindustry.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
The Fast FoodIndustry Societal Developments
Economic Forces
Political Climate
Technological Developments
Ecological Developments
Market Forecasts - Future Scenarios
Equilibrium of Power
Regulatory Framework
Franchising in the Fast FoodIndustry Conclusions
From the Paper "The fast food industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the world and most of their success has been based on the changes occurring in the micro and macro environments. People have reduced time to cook and fast food products are the handiest solution. The future of the industry looks bright, but difficulties could be posed by regulatory measures and changes in the society. The potential threats refer to inabilities in retaining the staff members (due to the low wages), the consumers' preference for healthy foods, environment protection policies, an unstable economic background or an economic perception for creating economies of scale."
This paper analyzes the duplicitous nature of advertising in the fast foodindustry, focusing on the advertisements of three multinational fast food companies, McDonald's, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Long John Silver.
Abstract Fast food advertising has been allowed to profess anything, from the "healthy quality" of their food to the food company's contribution to homeless kids. While fast food giants are quick to take any of their detractors to court for any erroneous allegations made by members of the public, it doesn?t stop these same companies from committing libel themselves through their promotions. However, most fast food companies steer clear of making outrageous claims such any health benefits, preferring to concentrate on marketing their service's convenience, economy and perceived lifestyle. This paper endeavors to highlight this discrepancy in the industry and showcases three fast food companies and their advertising efforts in that regard.
From the Paper "Fast food outlets have become the messiah for the millions of people out there who don"t have more than five minutes to spare in grabbing a bite to eat or for the millions of mothers desperate for one night of not cooking dinner for the family. There is certainly a lot to choose from. All one has to do is switch on the television, turn on the radio, go to the cinemas or even walk down the street. People from all walks of life are bombarded each and every day with jingles and gimmicks and catchcries, inviting the consumer to partake of their fried or greasy menu. Some appeal to the consumer's need for convenience, others appeal to the consumer's economic constraints, and others appeal to the consumer's perceived utopian lifestyle. Some even go so far as to appeal to the consumer's interest in healthy eating. But are these appeals from fast food conglomerates based on truth or are they just trying to beef up their profits duplicitously" This paper endeavors to explore some claims that fast food companies have made in the past through their advertising. Three fast food giants will also be held under the microscope and studied for any evidence of duplicity through their advertising."
Abstract The paper examines the workplace issues at fast food restaurants. The paper portrays the realities of low wages and poor motivation of the employees who work at these places. The paper also notes that one of the reasons that workers at fast food restaurants have poor morale is that workplace conditions are typically dirty and poor and too often the emphasis is on speed rather than the safety and quality of the product. The paper also discusses a study where researchers monitored the "frequency of fast food restaurant use" (FFFRU) amongst adolescents and found that FFFRU was directly linked to fat intake.
Outline:
Introduction
Motivational Problems in the Fast FoodIndustry Motivational Problems Due to Poor Working Conditions
Low Wages in the Fast FoodIndustry What About Those Who Eat at Fast Food Restaurants?
From the Paper "Americans spent more in 2001 on fast food than on "books, CDs, newspapers, magazines, and videos combined - about $110 billion," writes Julie Finnin Day in The Christian Science Monitor (Day 2001). "What's more," Day continued in her review of Eric Schlosser's book, Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal, "the golden arches are more universally recognized than the Christian cross." Moreover, Day summarizes Schlosser's focus on how the labor force in the meat processing industry has changed, from skilled, unionized workers a generation ago to today's workforce in fast food restaurants, which is "mostly recent immigrants, many of whom are illiterate and non-unionized." The plight of those who work in the industry that provides chicken, beef, pork and other meats to the fast food industry "has met with public indifference and industry secrecy - largely, Schlosser argues, because of their dark skin color.""
Abstract This paper explains that organic agriculture is defined as the agricultural process, which leads to an ecological management system that uses minimal farm inputs from outside the farm environment and management practices that aim at recreating, maintaining and elevating the ecological balance. The author points out that, using very good marketing sense, China is becoming a growing power in the global export organic foodindustry with products meeting the standard requirements of countries like the United States of America, Japan and the countries in Europe. The paper relates that the largest market for organic foods and beverages in the world is the United States of America, which can not grow its own demand; therefore, China with its high quality standards intends to tap this business opportunity.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Globalization of the Organic FoodIndustry China in the Global Organic FoodIndustry Increased Availability of Organic Fertilizer
Scope for Increased Exports to Europe
Scope for Increased Exports to the United States of America
From the Paper "China also has succeeded in becoming the most important non-European Union supplier of organic beans and seeds to the Western Europe markets. The domination of Chinese exporting companies are clearly visible in the supply of organic pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, kidney beans and black beans. They have also made inroads into the supply of organic soya bean. Chinese companies have established themselves in the organic soya bean market in such a manner that they supply almost one third of all the organic soya bean requirement of the market. The Chinese government also has come out in support of the organic food industry by pledging additional support for the organic food industry thus raising expectations of increased production of organic food products."
Abstract This paper examines the current and future market situation for the leading fast food restaurants in America. The paper begins with a thorough assessment of the financial and marketing considerations for the industry. Next the paper examines how traditional growth engines, such as R&D and technology investment can be utilized to help grow the fast food business. The paper concludes with recommendations for the future, and then offers an appendix on statistical trends in food consumption -- particularly as it relates to fast food.
Outline:
Financial Analysis
Stock/Investment Outlook
Potential/Prospective for Growth
Competitive Structure
Role of Research and Development
Technological Investment and Analysis
Recommendation for the Future
New Trends In Food Preparation and Eating
From the Paper "In today's market the state of the fast food industry can be summed up in two words: "fiercely competitive." McDonald's and Burger King, two fast food giants, dominate the industry but many smaller companies such as Checkers, Subway, and Taco Bell are starting to make a large dent in fast food sales. The number of fast food restaurants increased by 5% in 1995 adding more competition to an already staggering number of restaurants. Fast food continues to be very popular helping to ease the competition for customers. Americans are working longer hours leaving less time to cook at home. With less time on their hands consumers are turning towards fast food. Of the total number of people dining out 66% go to a fast food restaurant. Americans spent 93 billion dollars on fast food in 1995 accounting for 49% of total eat out food expenditures. Value pricing and larger portions are popular trends to meet consumer demand for cheap, plentiful food. Companies stay competitive by attracting customers through advertising and movie sponsorship. Marketing expenditures are gigantic in the fast food industry with many companies spending up to 25% of total expenses on advertising. Aggressive global expansion has increased fast food sales and promises to provide strong future growth. Large, untapped marketplaces exist for fast food in both industrialized and developing nations."
Abstract This paper analyzes the supermarket industry in undeveloped India. The author focuses on the modification schemes in the business strategies, products and services. An analysis of the different and unique environment of India's retail. Includes an external analysis, an analysis of recent foodindustry trends, an internal analysis, financial analysis and recommendations for the future.
Table of Contents
Executive Summary
Background
External Analysis
Five Forces Model
Recent FoodIndustry Trends
Internal Analysis
SWOT Analysis
Financial Analysis
Recommendations
Bibliography
Appendix
From the Paper 'The objective of this case analysis is to investigate potential opportunities for the next decade in the nascent supermarket chain business in India, specifically for one major retailer, RPG Enterprises? FoodWorld Supermarkets venture. According to RPG's consumer study, key findings for the supermarket industry include factors such as the emerging sense of dissatisfaction with small range of products currently available at traditional food retailing stores, and consequently, the need for a broader selection of different brands, and a growing demand for hands-on-comparison shopping style. Also that Bangalore and Madras are becoming centers of the fastest developing South Indian supermarket sector."
Abstract The paper contends that in the fast foodindustry, the workers are exploited like slaves while those on top reap all the benefits. The paper goes on to discuss how classism is a growing trend in the United States, as the disparity between the upper class and lower class continues to grow, which furthers the domination of the upper class. The paper demonstrates how education levels are impacted by this class disparity, with students from poorer families less likely to attend university. The paper touches upon Aristotle's and John Locke's views on slavery and asserts that not only are fast foodindustries detrimental to the health of the nation, but they create class boundaries and their minimal wages are a form of slavery.
From the Paper "There is a matrix of domination that has been maintained through the processes of hegemony in the fast food industry because of the inability of those who regulate the industry to step up and end repression. While new ways of thinking have allowed for us to eliminate different stages of repression over time, there will always be those aspects that are never fixed. This occurs in the fast food industry, as the workers are exploited, much like slaves, and those on top reap all the benefits of this corrupt system. Through the understanding of this oppression, they have come up with new methods of repressing the people, in order to further their own personal goals."
Abstract This paper discusses the role of the fast foodindustry in the global problem of obesity. What does the name 'McDonalds' mean to you? Maybe the name brings back images and pleasant memories of your childhood, of going to McDonalds for a burger and fries, and playing on the play equipment. And if the images have effect that McDonalds intends it to have, you should start thinking about going down to the nearest McDonalds and buying some junk food whether you're hungry or not!
Abstract This essay explores the results of globalization on the foodindustry in regards to an increasing global population. It reviews issues such as GM foods, biotechnology, and over/under consumption in analyzing how a growing global community might sustain itself in the future. Also, it discusses the cutting out of small time farmers in light of biotechnology.
The essay concludes that a reassessment of globalization needs to be done in order to sustain civilization.
From the Paper "In a rapidly developing community such as ours, where economic growth and higher standards of living are replacing the worries of daily existence with goals of material success, our continuation in the direction of bigger and better things has never been doubted. Technology has been a major player in this trend, touching on our lives in nearly every way possible. When one reflects upon technology, one immediately thinks of cellular phones, the internet, automobiles, and various other non-essential aspects of life. While our technological evolution has been a topic of great debate, over whether such advances have led to a push towards laziness and social isolation, one must remember that technology reaches far beyond the spheres of social culture and into the realm of our basic needs as human beings. The infringement of technology on today's food production has, of late, been a rather moot subject, but is nonetheless one that must be addressed as an issue of major concern. Although globalization has often been seen as an advance for the bettering of the quality of life, this is one instance that might prove to be quite the opposite."
Abstract The impact of military food research on the foodindustry has emerged in recent years as a topic of growing significance and importance to citizens, scientists and government officials alike. This paper explains that military research on food has had a significant impact on the foodindustry, mainly because military research in this area often consists of food preservation, nutrition and performance enhancements. The paper points out that all of these categories directly impact the economic and nutritional aspects of the foodindustry. Research indicates that food intake in the military is influenced by the same factors that influence food intake in non-military settings. This paper analyzes and discusses the impact of such research on the foodindustry as a whole.
From the Paper "Military research on the food industry often consists of studies conducted on the diets of those serving in the military, and how those diets may be modified to improve performance. The National Academy of Sciences published a report in 2004 from the Institute of Medicine's Food and Nutrition Board concluding that combat soldiers engaged in extended field operations might improve their mental sharpness and physical stamina by eating a diet supplemented with specific food components. Similar research indicates that other food components also have been shown to have beneficial effects, but some do not live up to performance expectations. In the 2004 report, the Institute of Medicine's Food and Nutrition Board examined six food components; tyrosine, choline, carbohydrates, caffeine, carnitine, and structured lipids."
Abstract This paper explains that the fast foodindustry is a lucrative and dominant market. The author points out that the powerhouse fast food chains, such as KFC, match the desire of their fast-paced customers for meals-on-the-go. The paper relates that KFC is a restaurant chain based in Louisville, Kentucky and owned by Yum! Brands, Inc. The author reports that KFC is a major global competitor in the fast foodindustry, renown for its fried chicken and other fast food offerings. The paper also relates that the recent demand for healthier living has been trumpeted by some of the fast foodindustry, such as Subway, a company that prides itself on healthier fast food alternatives. The author stresses that this health trend is not good news for KFC, a company that is famous for its unhealthy fried chicken --- and little else. The paper includes graphs.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Competitors
Corporate Governance
Trends Affecting the Fast FoodIndustry Ethics and Social Responsibility
Stakeholders
External Environment
Internal Strengths and Weaknesses
External Opportunity and Threats
Issue Priority Matrix
Mapping Strategic Groups
Industry Matrix
Conclusion
From the Paper "The impact of the economy, culture, globalization, and legislation on KFC and the fast food industry at large has already been examined. However, the industry is impacted not only by political and societal influences, such as environmental responsibility and healthy eating, but also by technological advancements over recent years. In recent decades, the increased focus on technology, such as television, the Internet and advertising through these mediums, has proven beneficial for the industry. Fast food companies put a lot of money into television advertising, resulting in something of a "warring" atmosphere when it comes to producing the more effective commercial."
