Caffeine

On the otherwise, Betterment (Americanization), commonly known as amplify, it is a rut known for its bitter and astringent taste. Commonly, people eat its flesh and skin as food leaving the seeds unused. With this, the proponents aimed to prove the research of amplify seeds as an alternative source for coffee making which offers better health benefits (as antioxidant) at low cost and attainability. The study aimed to prove that amplify seeds are capable and feasible for coffee production.

In line with this, the researchers would also want to prove whether it could serve as an antioxidant or not. The researchers created amplify coffee by starting with the normal proceedings as done with other coffee known to man. The coffee gave a bitter taste so as the amplify, that’s why the researchers decided to use the amplify seeds to make coffee as a substitute to the commercial ones instead of throwing them. The coffee gave a bitter taste which is normal for coffee without caffeine.

The researchers can then conclude that amplify seeds are definitely possible for coffee production, it serves well as the other sources of coffee. Statement of the Problem Generally, this study seeks to determine the acceptability and marketability of the new product Amplify Seed Coffee in Drag Albany, Philippines. Specifically, it attempts to find answers to the following questions: 1 . What Is the characteristic of amplify seed coffee samples In terms of: a. Color b. Aroma c. Taste d. Acidity e. Health benefits 2. What Is the marketability of the new product In terms of: a.

Potential demand b. Price 3. What is the acceptability of amplify as the ingredient of coffee? Hypothesis Based on the foregoing research questions identified, the researchers formulated the following hypotheses: 1. It will be easy to make and market since amplify Is abundant and familiar In the Philippines. 2. Amplify seed coffee would be acceptability of this coffee is high since it has medicinal value. Substitute for coffee beans. Background 4. It will be a close This study aimed to market a coffee out of amplify seeds.

Memoranda Charlatan (scientific name for amplify) is a healthy food that helps prevent ailments such as some types of cancer, aids in lowering blood sugar levels and blood pressures, enhances immune system to fight infection and it is an antioxidant that most of the coffee have. Amplify seeds have polypeptide – p, a plant insulin and contain iron and folic acid that are essential for the production of red blood cells. Thus, this research will infinite all coffee drinkers most especially the diabetic and low-blood persons.

Coffee is one of the widely-known beverages that people drink especially in the morning. It contains caffeine that makes drinkers more active yet makes them addicted for it. Coffee is bitter in taste. Same as the amplify, its nature of taste is bitter also. So making coffee from amplify seeds is not impossible because it meets the primary characteristic of a coffee. A healthy drink coffee that will benefits all the drinkers. Related Non- Research Works In the past years, coffee is always in the breakfast table on every family.

It energies them and makes them active to work. Many claims that coffee can be addictive because has caffeine substance. Too much drinking of coffee is not healthy for the body. Before amplify is Just a vegetable food use to eat for their meals, but recent informal study shows that amplify is not Just a vegetable food but also it is an aid for preventing and controlling diseases. Its leaves, fruit and seeds has herbal benefits. There are now supplements, Juices out of amplify for beneficial purposes.

Related Studies This part consist of studies on the different nutritional product which are used to maintain the medicinal value of Amplify seed as the main ingredient for the study with the objective as the present study in relation to raw materials used, processes, evaluation of sensory characteristics and composition analysis. In the study of Amplify Tea or Charlatan Tea (Dry. William D. Tortes PhD, 2004), that is compose of amplify leaves. Due to content of vitamins A, B and C, iron, folic acid, phosphorus and calcium which are very potent in anti- oxidant which is good for making tea out of it.

It also prevents and control diseases. Another study is the Rice Coffee Connell C. Martial,2000), this is an alternative to he more expensive coffee beans, and it is also easy to make, especially in countries that readily produce rice. From there, rice coffee became a profitable business because the cost of production was very minimal, and the way to make was to crush the rice into a powder with a machine or other tools. After the rice was roasted, there was also the option of putting them in tea bags, which can be done with a machine or very feasible source of income in this market.

Synthesis Based from the related studies review, the amplify was rated one of the vegetables rich in vitamins A, B and C, iron, folic acid, phosphorus and calcium. Some studies shows that amplify reduce the body’s sugar level to control diabetes. This is the potential of amplify and the good basis of the researchers in the development of the study – Amply Seed Coffee. Gap to be Bridged by the Study The present study is similar to the previous studies conducted in terms of developmental studies local and new flavor of roasted coffee and the process was just the same as the process of commercial coffee.

The researchers came up with an idea of utilizing the seed of amplify vegetable into a new roasted powdered coffee aside from the function it normally serves not only to indicated its sensory characterized but also the nutritional content of vitamins A, 81, 83, 86, C, E and K as well as iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc in the amplify seed coffee. The gap bridged by the study was the utilization of Amplify seed in the powdered form.

Theoretical Framework In this study the researchers adopted the Theory of Product Development, Principles of Sensory evaluation and theory of product evaluation and were applied the realization of the product Amplify Coffee. The product development theory cited by Mille (product Design and Methodology) from the generation of fresh new product design, ideas, screen them through a selective process and through technical research and development, and translate this idea into tangible products which can be mass-produced and sold at different markets for profit.

It is applied to the present study attempting to develop new variety of coffee sing Amplify as new raw material into finished product through underlying processes. The theory of product development by Marcella stated that for new products and processes to have staying power in the 21st century, there is a need to be revolutionary rather than evolutionary. This study gave importance and consideration to the many issues on environment, changes in the public policy on the awareness of food safety and the demand to improve the health of the nation at a cost.

The study attempts to develop a new product the Amplify Seed Coffee. The researchers would like to contribute to the improvement of the health of the Filipinos through this study, with the benefits of those amplify process medicinal properties for people with diabetes. The principle of sensory evaluation wherein the total acceptability of the product is discussed and the researchers gathered into the respondents by this principle that ill conclude in this study the most acceptable sample. The sensory evaluation evaluates the product and rates its level of acceptability using score sheets.

Introduction

Background Of The Study

Coffee alternatives have been famous since the last two decades due to economic crisis and experimentations for health and medical benefits. Any seeds that are edible when powdered can be used as an alternative source for coffee. The difference of the generic coffee from the seeds of the coffee plant from those of the alternatives is that it has a good amount of caffeine content.

The similarity you can find in the alternatives and those of the original is that seeds contain carbohydrates which cause the aroma in roasted coffee [4, 5, and 6]. Ampalaya, on the other hand, is a crawling vine that grows mostly on tropical countries like the Philippines. It is said to be rich in iron, potassium, beta-carotene and other nutrients. It is also famous in treating diabetes because of its properties like polypeptide-P; a plant insulin that can lower blood sugar levels.Many researches on agricultural food chemistry convey that it provides nutritionally significant amounts of nutrients, minerals and amino acids that are needed for life [1, 2, and 3]. Ampalaya seeds when used as an alternative coffee will act as a stimulant, an herbal drink and at the same time can increase its additional properties like source for insulin and other nutrients found on Momordica charantia. Ampalaya seeds when used as dry powders have clearly demonstrated hypoglycemic activity [3].

The researchers decided to process Ampalaya seeds the same routine on how the coffee bean is processed into a drinking beverage and test its sensory qualities using sampling techniques.

Statement Of The Problem And Objectives Of The Study Main Problem

• Can Ampalaya Seeds (Momordica charantia) be made into coffee? Sub-Problems
• Does the coffee out of Ampalaya (Momordica Charantia) Seeds have a good quality in terms of taste? color? odor? texture?
• What are the sensory qualities of the different treatments in terms of taste? color? odor? texture?
• Which of the groups/set-ups are acceptable in terms of its overall acceptability?A. Control (Pure Ampalaya Coffee) B. Control (Pure Commercial Coffee) C. Treatment A (75% Ampalaya Coffee, 25% Commercial Coffee) D. Treatment B (50% Ampalaya Coffee, 50% Commercial Coffee) E. Treatment C (25% Ampalaya Coffee, 75% Commercial Coffee)

General Objectives

• This study primarily aims to determine if Ampalaya Seeds (Momordica charantia) can be made into coffee.

Specific Objectives

• To determine the quality of coffee out of Ampalaya (Momordica charantia) Seeds in terms of taste, color, odor and texture.
• To identify the sensory qualities of the different treatments in terms of taste, color, odor and texture. To determine which of the groups/set-ups are acceptable in terms of its overall acceptability. A. Control (Pure Ampalaya Coffee) B. Control (Pure Commercial Coffee) C. Treatment A (75% Ampalaya Coffee, 25% Commercial Coffee) D. Treatment B (50% Ampalaya Coffee, 50% Commercial Coffee) E. Treatment C (25% Ampalaya Coffee, 75% Commercial Coffee)

Significance Of The Study

This research can play a significant role in replacing the generic coffee’s market cost for affordability and its medical benefits for various types of diseases/sickness like diabetes and anemia.It can also conserve unused or to-be-thrown away seeds of Ampalaya and use it for a better cause. According to the study of YumikoYasui, its seeds have linoleic acid that can prevent coloncancer. It also contains polypeptide-P;a plant insulin that helps diabetic patients.

Scope And Limitations

This research will be conducted on July–August 2012 at Paraiso Cmpd. Baybay City, Leyte. This study focuses on how to make Ampalaya (Momordica charantia) seeds into coffee. The whole fruit is not included in making the product, only the seeds are used to make coffee.The researchers are not focusing on the nutrient values that they can get in the Ampalaya (Momordica charantia) seeds nor will they include it in their research. Instead, the researchers are focusing in making coffee out of Ampalaya (Momordica charantia) seeds and in the sensory qualities (taste, color, and odor) of Ampalaya (Momordica charantia) coffeein comparison to the commercial coffee.

Operational Definition Of Terms

Momordica charantia

• scientific name of the Ampalaya or Bitter Melon
• polypeptide-P
• a plant insulin found only in the Ampalaya
• potentiate insulin is an alternative cancer treatment using insulin to administer low-dose chemotherapy or mandelonitrite

Caffeine

• is a bitter, white crystalline xanthine alkaloid that acts as a stimulant drug and a reversible acetylcholihesterase inhibitor
• is found in varying quantities in the seeds, leaves, and fruits of some plants, where it acts as a natural pesticide that paralyzes and kills certain insects feeding on the plants

Coffea Arabica

• is a species of coffea originally indigenous to the mountains of Yemen in the Arabian
• Coffea canephora is a variety of coffea which has its origin in central and western sub-Saharan Africa
• Hemileia vastatrix * severe symptoms of leaf rust
• is a fungus of the order uredenales that causes coffee rust, a disease that is devastating to coffee plantations

Review Of Related Literature

Coffee alternatives can be a solution to the serious need for a very economical, nutritious and medicinal coffee. It is very economical in the sense that its cost would be near to costless. It is nutritious that it has additional properties, vitamins and minerals that is very essential in the body’s growth and development.It is medicinal in a way that the coffee can cure several diseases more than ordinary commercial coffees can [7]. Ampalaya seeds are a good alternative for making coffee because it has more similar properties to coffee beans like carbohydrate and its bitterness. It is also good for dysmenorrhea and amenorrhea, provides daily need of iron in the body, and is good for people with diabetes.

Ampalaya powdered seeds contain iron and folic acid which helps in the production of red blood cells and formation of myoglobin and hemoglobin.It is also rich in antioxidants that helps flushing out harmful toxins in the body and regulates the blood flow well. It also has been found out that this alternative may discourage people to use commercial coffee that has no nutritional value compared to coffee made from Ampalaya seeds [3, 7, and 8]. In the study conducted by Ma. Liza Lamanilao and Venus Sejalbo, entitled “Make/Making Ampalaya Seed Coffee and Polvoron”, in which their main objective is to make coffee and polvoron from unused ampalaya seeds that are being thrown away.They also specifically aims to develop this research to answer the serious need for a very economical, nutritious and a medicinal coffee. During the experiment in making coffee, they collected ampalaya seeds, remove the shells, toasted the seeds until the seeds will turn brown and finally, pound them to produce fine powdered coffee and a caffeine free coffee.

They also make nutritious polvoron by toasting again the granules together with milk and sugar. After the experiment, they have found out the nutritional value we could get in Ampalaya Seeds.It contains iron and folic acid or Vitamin B12 which helped the production of red blood cells and formation of myoglobin and hemoglobin. They also found out that Ampalaya Seeds is good for dysmenorrheal and amenorrhea and it provides the daily need of iron in the body and good for diabetics. It has been found out that the discovery may discourage the people to use the commercial coffee that has no nutritive value compared to coffee made from ampalaya seeds. Ampalaya Seeds is also a good substitute in making coffee based on nutritive value present in seeds. (http://www. foodrecap. net/recipe/ampaya-coffee-pulvoron/)

In the research entitled “Coffee, Decaffeinated Coffee and Tea Consumption in Relation to Incident Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus” which was conducted by Rachel Huxley, Dphil, et al. The study primarily aims to identify the relation between the Coffee, Decaffeinated Coffee, and Tea Consumption and the Incident of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. The data from 18 studies with information on 457 922 participants reported on the association between coffee consumption and diabetes. Six (N=225,516) and 7 studies (N=286,701) also reported estimates of the association between decaffeinated coffee and tea with diabetes respectively.

The putative protective effects of these beverages warrant further investigation in randomized trials. There was inverse log-linear relationship between coffee consumption and subsequent risk of diabetes such that every additional cup of coffee consumed in a day was associated with a 7% reduction in the excess risk of diabetes relative risk, 0. 93 (95% confidence interval, 0. 91-0. 95) after adjustment for potential confounders. Based on the results, the researchers owe to the presence of of small study bias represented an overestimate of the true magnitude of the association.The researchers concluded that high intakes of coffee, decaffeinated coffee and tea consumption can reduce risk of diabetes.

According to Rachel Huxley, DPhil and colleagues in the Archives of Internal Medicine during December 14, 2009 they conducted a study about “Every Cup of Coffee per Day Lowers Risk of Type 2 Diabetes by 7%”. This study was conducted at the George Institute for International Health, University of Sydney, Australia. The researchers stated that there are several studies to prove that drinking coffee may lower the risk of developing type 2 Diabetes.During the study, the researchers resolved information from 18 studies on coffee and diabetes.

They also analyzed another 13 studies that includes data on decaffeinated coffee, tea drinking and diabetes. When all the information, from each study was combined, they out that each additional cup of coffee drunk per day was accompanied with a 7% lower risk of diabetes. People who drunk three to four cups of coffee per day had about a 25% lower risk than those who didn’t drank two r fewer cups per day while people who drank decaffeinated coffee more than three to four cups per day had about a ne-third lower risk of having type 2 diabetes. The study shows that if tea drinkers drank more than three to four cups of tea per day had about one-fifth lower risk of diabetes. In a nutshell, the results shows that people who drank more cups of coffee, whether it’s decaffeinated or regular or tea will have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Therefore, the researchers conclude that they will advise the patients who are most at risk for diabetes mellitus should increase to consume a coffee and tea in addition to increase their levels of weight loss and physical activity.

 Methodology

Research Design

The researchers will gather unused Ampalaya seeds from clean market sites and homes. They will wash and dry it up under the heat of the sun for 2-3 sunny days. Then, they will peel off its seed coat, roast it for 25 minutes and grind it to powder form. After it is powdered, it will be brewed and distributed to different controls and treatments. Then it will be ready for sensory evaluations for different sampling techniques and rate its acceptability.

Problem Can Ampalaya seeds (Momordica charantia) be made into coffee?

Hypothesis Ho: There is no difference between the commercial coffee and the Ampalaya seeds made into coffee.

HA: There is a significant difference between the commercial coffee and the Ampalaya seeds made into coffee.

Type Of Study

This research study is quasi-experimental which focuses in making coffee from Ampalaya seeds.

Independent And Dependent Variable

The independent variable in this study is the Ampalaya seeds (Momordica charantia) coffee and the dependent variable is the sensory qualities of coffee (taste, color, odor, and texture). D.

Treatments Of The Study

This study has 2 treatments for control set-up (positive control – 100% Ampalaya coffee, negative control – 100% commercial coffee) and 3 treatments for the quasi-experimental set-up (TA – 75% Ampalaya coffee, 25% commercial coffee; TB – 50% Ampalaya coffee, 50% commercial coffee; TC – 25% Ampalaya coffee, 75% commercial coffee).

Subjects / Samples

This research study involves ESEP curriculum students from Grade 7 to 4th year. The researchers take only 30 respondents / samples from the whole population of ESEP curriculum.

Replications Per Treatment

There were 5 treatments in this study (positive and negative control, treatment A, B, and C) and in every treatment, there were 30 replicates.

Methodology Proper

Heat the frying pan in preparation for the roasting of seeds.Then, prepare the bowl and the mortar and pestle. Wash the seeds until it is free from dirt and other physical elements aside from the seeds. Lastly, prepare the heater for the boiling of hot water and the 5 plastic cups.

Then, roast the washed, dried seeds in the pan for 25 minutes. Then cool it off. Drying of Ampalaya Seeds and Removing of Seed Coat The researchers will prepare the seeds which were gathered on the cleaner side of the market and will not be used by the vendors. The researchers wash the seeds, put it in a plate and placed it under the heat of the sun for 2 to 3 sunny days.Then, peel of the seed coat of the seeds with bare hands. Grinding of Seeds After the seeds were cooled off, place the roasted seeds in the mortar then grind it using the pestle until all of the seeds are powdered.

Sensory Evaluation

The researchers conducted the evaluation through sensory qualities (taste, color, odor, and texture) and its acceptability.

Statistical Treatment For Data Analysis

The researchers used Chi-square Test in order to find the significant differences between treatments. They also used the mean in order to compute the average rating of sensory qualities (taste, color, odor, and texture) in every treatment.

Summary

Coffee alternatives have been famous last two decades due to economic crisis and experimentations for health and medical benefits.Ampalaya is a crawling vine that grows mostly on tropical countries like Philippines. It is said to be rich in iron, potassium, beta-carotene and other nutrients. Any seeds that are edible when powdered can be used as an alternative source for coffee. The general objective of the study is to determine if Ampalaya (Momordica Charantia) seeds can be made into coffee. This research can play a significant role in replacing the generic coffee’s market cost to affordability and medical benefits. It can also conserve unused or to-be-thrown away seeds of Ampalaya.

The researchers focus in making coffee out of Ampalaya (Momordica Charantia) seeds and in the sensory qualities (taste, color, odor and texture) of Ampalaya coffee in comparison to commercial coffee. First, the researchers gathered unused Ampalaya seeds from clean market sites and homes. They will wash and dry it up under the heat of the sun for 2-3 sunny days. Then, they will peel off its seed coat, roast it for 25 minutes and grind it to powder form. After it is powdered, it will be brewed and distributed to different controls and treatments.Then it will be ready for sensory evaluation for different sampling technique and rate its acceptability.

Conclusion

Therefore the researchers conclude that: * The overall acceptability of Ampalaya coffee is slightly acceptable.

* There are significant difference in every treatment in terms of taste, color, odor and texture. In taste, the positive control (Ampalaya Coffee) got the highest mean rating among the 5 treatments while in color, odor and texture the negative control (Commercial Coffee) got the highest mean rating. * In overall acceptability of groups or set-ups, the negative control is the highest among the 5 treatments.

Recommendation

If the researchers were given a chance to remake this research, the researchers should gather the Ampalaya seeds at the same plantation, same stem and at the same age. After the researchers have gathered the seed, it should be simultaneously placed it in a plate and dried under the heat of the sun for 2-3 days. The Ampalaya seeds should also be roasted together for 25 minutes. And the researchers hoped that they have a machine in grinding the Ampalaya seeds so that the Ampalaya coffee will have a tiny particle.

Bibliography

1. Lamanilao, Ma. Liza and Sejalbo, Venus. “Make/Making Ampalaya Seed Coffee and Polvoron”, <http://www. foodrecap. net/recipe/ampaya-coffee-pulvoron/>.
2. Huxley, Rachel and Dphil, et al. “Coffee, Decaffeinated Coffee and Tea Consumption in Relation to Incident Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus” <http://archinte. jamanetwork. com/article. aspx? articleid=773949#>.
3. Huxley, Rachel, DPhil. “Every Cup of Coffee per Day Lowers Risk of Type 2 Diabetes by 7%” <http://diabetes. webmd. om/news/20091214/coffee-tea-may-stall-diabetes>.

References

1. http://www. charantia. com/about-ampalaya/
2. http://www. livestrong. com/article/292220-properties-of-ampalaya-sticky-extract/#ixzz1zWJX6zfP
3. http://www. agribusinessweek. com/ampalaya-bitter-gourd-natural-weapon-against-disease/
4. http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Coffee
5. http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Health_effects_of_coffee
6.  http://www.blurtit. com/q709932. html
7. http://www. foodrecap. net/recipe/ampaya-coffee-pulvoron/
8. http://diabetes. webmd. com/news/20091214/coffee-tea-may-stall-diabetes

Believe it or not, a good coffee can determine a girl’s mood. We wake up in a bad mood until the coffee is in our hands. The first sip of coffee taken influences how girls will act throughout the day. A bad coffee results to a bad-tempered girl and a good one resulting in a more positive way. Girls will be pleasant to be around to say the least. Peoples moods play a huge role In how someone day will go. As well as Impacting the one’s surrounding the girl. Needless to say, coffee controls a girls actions. Initially, a portion of caffeine motivates a girl to do many things.

Some being; working hard, staying focused, and being able to multicast. The three to five hour p of stimulating the central nervous system, keeping someone focused is very helpful for the time being. One downfall to drinking coffee is the “caffeine crash. ” Girls’ look past the negatives, drinking it anyway to get things done in a timely fashion. An equally important reason as to why coffee is such an influential substance in a girls life when it comes to motivating is how it affects their grades. It alps many study and prepare wisely for a test.

Motivation is an essential to a girls daily life. Coffee happens to be the key to success In most females eyes. Yet coffee may affect how girls act motivationally speaking and their attitudes towards the universe, the “look” of having coffee has a significance to girls. Society revolves around the word cool” In this generation. That being said, someone with a coffee In their hand walking down the school hallway or vigorously crossing the city street on the way to work. One feels superior to another that holds reams of power. A sensation of confidence rushes through your body.

The one cup of coffee a girl drinks has more meaning than just loading up on caffeine to get a person through the day. It symbolizes confidence and power. On another hand, it can take a turn for the worse. “Addiction is characterized by the repeated, compulsive seeking or use of a substance. ” A physical dependence on something is what they would call an adaptation to a substance. Not always does the substance have to be something dangerous or Illegal. Coffee for example is not a harmful Item, but the consumption f coffee can advance to worse problems.

Too much leads to heart palpitations and the Jitters. Feeling not so powerful or confident and more Like a zombie that TLD get enough sleep. The way people drink coffee can be crucial. Some girls drink It to be What they don’t understand is that not receiving the correct amount of nutrients can slow down your metabolism, causing you to actually gain weight. Substituting coffee in for meals can progress into worse diseases. Taking care of your body is important. In today’s life outer beauty means a lot more than it should to people.

Causing girls to put themselves at risk in many ways. In conclusion, that drink made from coffee grounds has multiple significance’s in a girls’ role. Not only by controlling ones mood, to compel a persons actions and determination, or even indicate a sense of confidence while holding a cup of coffee. Coffee has its positive and negative influences on girls. Some females using coffee as an excuse to be thin or look superior to the world. Maintaining coffee supplements throughout the day is very important. Once you have had it, you can never go without.

What Do I Get From My Morning Coffee Some people are morning people, but I am not one of those people. Every morning it seems as if I am in a fog until that warm cup of coffee touches my lips. Similar to a drug habit, the more a person drinks coffee, the more it seems like that person cant function without it. But what are you really getting from your coffee? Along with other factors, coffee can have both positive and negative effects on your health. Coffee improves the bodys tolerance to glucose by increasing metabolism or mproving its tolerance to insulin.

People who drink four cups of caffeinated coffee each day had shown to be 56 percent less likely to develop diabetes than were non- drinkers. Diabetes is the most common risk factor of liver cancer, so American adults may have something to celebrate as they sip their morning cup. A study of one hundred twenty-four older adults, ages sixty-five to eighty-eight, with mild cognitive impairment found that caffeine and coffee intake was associated with a reduced risk f developing Dementia and early onset Alzheimer’s.

Coffee is known to be problematic for acid reflux and heartburn. Acid reflux and heartburn can be caused by coffee due to the way it relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter (muscle that closes the airway). This small muscle should remain tightly closed to prevent the contents of your stomach from coming back up into the esophagus and burning its lining with hydrochloric acid. Drinking a lot of coffee will promote the release of the stress hormones cortisol and epinephrine.

These hemicals increase your bodys heart rate, blood pressure and tension levels – the old fight or flight’ response. All of this depends on how much coffee and caffeine your body can handle at one time. Although your shoe size isn’t a factor that affects coffee, there are a number of other things that do, these include: your age, gender, how long you have drinkin coffee, and what kind of coffee you drink. Some studies show that drinking decaffeinated coffee does not have the same effects of drinking regular coffee. So it might Just be time to switch that morning cup.

Café Coffee Shop has just commenced its operations. It provides high-quality coffee to its customers. The coffee shop offers a fun place for the people where they can relax and feel comfortable.  The café is known for its variety of flavors in coffee. Besides coffee, light snakes such as, sandwiches, donuts, and french-fries are also offered. For kids there will be special health drinks with delicious taste.  Light music plays to make the ambience suited to customers’ mood. Apart from this, Wi-Fi facility has also been installed to attract business professionals. For a small fee, students can also take advantage of the internet facility and complete their assignments along with enjoying the best coffee in the town. The café has been divided into various portions to better suit a broad set of customers. Business personnel sit in the area where they discuss about their work. For kids there is a separate playing area. To a book lover’s delight, there are book shelves with books on a range of topics.  The café is located in a very safe and peaceful area. Different strategies were adopted to segment the market and attract and people from various parts of society.

The mission of café coffee shop is to provide best quality coffee with unmatched service at a price which is lower that the prices of competitors’ products.

Market Segmentation

Market segmentation refers to forming of groups of potential customers based on the similar characteristics that they share. These shared characteristics can be geographic, demographic, psychographic, behavioral, and technographic. In business world, it is imperative to target a niche market rather than a mass market. Niche market will offer sellers with customers who will have specific needs and wants that can be fulfilled by the sellers.

Assess the segmentation strategies used in your chosen organization. Developing a market segmentation strategy is one of the first steps toward launching a successful product. For an organization, the main aims of developing a market segmentation strategy are to successfully position itself in the chosen market in relation to its competitors and to fulfill customer needs in the best way possible.

As for as market segmentation strategies for Café coffee shop are concerned, the company first identifies the possible market segments by looking at the demographic, psychographic, geographic, social and other variables. There are various other factors that this organization keeps in mind when identifying the possible market segments. It makes sure that it will be profitable for the organization to operate in that market segment. The segment is customer-centric, has justifiable size, is different from other segments, and is accessible to the organization. Later in this paper, we will discuss some of the market segments that Café coffee shop has identified and is serving successfully. The company then targets the market with appropriate promotional activity. For example, Café coffee shop organizes various fun programs for the kids on weekly basis which bring kids and their parents again and again to the shop.

The Organization then proceeds to position itself successfully in the chosen market. Café coffee shop has carved out a niche for itself by proving best quality coffee with unmatched service at a cost which is slightly lower than the prices of its competitors’ products.

Which research instruments do you think are used to help guide strategy planning? Every organization conducts marketing research with the aim of developing products or services that fulfill the needs and wants of customers. To achieve this, they use various research instruments like questionnaires, interviews, surveys etc. Café coffee shop also makes use of these instruments and conducts market research to improve its various offerings.

In order to identify the needs of the consumer and their motivations to go to such places as restaurants for hang-outs, it is necessary to use segmentation strategies such as demographics, psychographics and geographic data to identify characteristics of each segment using VAL’s survey.  Questionnaires are distributed among consumers. Customers’ answers to the questions provide insights into their expectations from a good coffee shop. These insights are of great use to management.

Apart from getting questionnaires filled, interviews are conducted of those customers who are willing to be interviewed. These interviews also provide valuable information to the management. Another instrument used by management at Café Coffee shop for research purposes is focus groups. Focus groups are organized among college or university students whereby they discuss the products and services of café coffee shop. The information obtained this way is again used for the greater good of the organization. Market research will also include competitive analysis. The manager of the café coffee shop will frequently pay visit to competitors’ café shops to analyze their services and offerings.

How accurate and reliable are the survey instruments? The survey tools used by Café coffee shop are developed by professionals to ensure the reliability and accuracy of data collected. Accurate and reliable data cannot be obtained if a customer is not honest when answering various questions. It is because of this that a representative of the organization personally requests every participant to honestly reply to questions given. There is always a chance of error when administering survey but Café coffee shop tries to ensure that the chances of error are minimized.

The consequences of inaccurate and unreliable research instruments can wreak havoc for Café coffee shop. For example, Café coffee shop is deciding whether it should introduce a coffee with significantly different taste or not. It administers a research for this purpose. The faulty research instrument exaggerates the future demand for the coffee with significantly new taste. Relying on the results from such research, the organization introduces the coffee.  This coffee might lead the company to suffer a loss because of less than expected demand of the product. To avoid any such blunder, Café coffee shop ensures that research is conducted in an objective way.

What market segments are associated with your organization?

Here we discuss the various market segments associated with Café coffee shop:

1. Gourmet Coffee: This will target 18- 24 year olds and will be the primary market segment that Café coffee shop will target. This will bring in most of Café coffee shop’s revenue because 18- 24 year olds take the most coffee.
2. Brewed Coffee: This will target elderly people because old people can tolerate the effect of this type of coffee which is low in caffeine.
3. Coffee in Bottles: This will target people who want to be in possession of coffee even when they are on the move. People on the go can buy bottled coffee.
4. Low- Calorie Coffee: This coffee which is low in calorie will specifically target population which is conscious of their physical appearance.
5. Non- Coffee Drinkers: This set of drinks will target those who do not like to have coffee and will include drinks like tea etc.

What are the specific characteristics of each segment?

1. Gourmet Coffee: This segment mainly consists of youngsters aged 18-24 years. These are socially active people and seek to meet new people. The usually hang-out with friends and visit shops like Coffee Café n groups. They want something which is unique and different.
2. Brewed Coffee: This segment mainly targets elderly people who want coffee low in caffeine. This also targets people who are in hurry and want a quick fix dose of caffeine.
3. Coffee in Bottles: This market segment mainly targets people who want to be in possession of coffee even when they are on the go. In other way, it targets people who are addicted to coffee.
4. Low- Calorie Coffee: This market segment focuses on people who are conscious of their physical appearance. People who want to reduce their weight come under this category. They want a much reduced dose of calories.
5. Non- Coffee Drinkers: This market segment focuses on people who do not like coffee but visit coffee shops with friends who love coffee.  Instead of taking coffee, they take non- coffee drinks like tea.

All in all, it can be said that Café coffee shop has taken great care in developing a market segmentation strategy. And with the help of a properly conducted research, it identified the market segments and successfully targeted those markets with its products.

References

1. Gallo, M. (2004). Segmentation Strategies. The Marketing Intelligence Review. Retrieved July 31, 2009 from http://www.daemonquest.com/en/research_and_insight/2004/09/01/segmentation_strategies_all_the_keys_to_getting_the_most_critical_marketing_decision_right
2. Wedel, Michel & Wagner A. Kamakura (2000). Market Segmentation: Conceptual and Methodological Foundations. Amsterdam: kluwer

A NEW DRINK “SLOW COW”, OFFERS CALMNESS AND RELAXATION, CAN IT FIND A SUCCESS AS A NICHE ALTERNATIVE TO ENERGY DRINKS LIKE RED BULL IN UK? Module Code: MG 3123 (Final Project) Student Number: 0837185 Department: Brunel Business School Degree: Business and Management (Marketing) Supervisor: Dr May Seitanidi Submission date: 9th March 2010 Word Count: 9200 1 Acknowledgments First and most importantly I would like to thank all the participants who took part in my data collection and professional people who helped me in the primary research, without them the task would have been extremely difficult to complete.

Secondly I would like to thank Dr May Seitanidi, who has guided, supported and encouraged me with great advice right at the beginning of my project, she was an excellent mentor. I would like to thank my family members for the endless amount of support and encouragement throughout the times of pressure and a special thanks to my most important friend Siraj Patel for having faith in me, encouraging, helping and supporting me throughout the project. Last but not least I would like to thank the one who gave me courage and brought me this far ‘Allah’, I thank you God for providing me with willpower to tackle the most valued year in my studies.

Thank You 2 Abstract Purpose This report discusses the progress of the Slow Cow brand and evaluates the anti-energy drink market, using both primary and secondary research, to find the most successful strategic marketing plan for a new product. Literature Review – This section assess the different stages of the marketing plan and which according to the nature of Slow Cow, would be the most successful marketing strategies to launch a new product in to the same market. Methodological approach – For primary research, this includes Questionnaire, Concept testing and screening model.

This report will investigate the aspects of the marketing mix which are appropriate to design the promotional campaign. Secondary research will be used to analyse the best way to which these marketing mix aspects can be optimised for success. Findings and Discussion – Key findings include the assurance that the launch for a new product is both feasible and desirable. The most relevant theories have been analyzed in this part. Research limitation – This research is limited in terms of sample size and area which does not represent the whole population of UK.

Above all it mostly compares with Red Bull and does not incorporate the newest discounter range introduced as a fight back to discounter retailers. 3 Contents 1. Introduction Page 8 1. 1 Background Page 8 1. 2 Rational Page 9 1. 3 Aims & Objective Page Project Synopsis Page 12 1. 4 13 2. Literature Review Page 14 2. 1 Marketing Planning Process Page 14 2. 2 Marketing Audit Page 15 2. 3 Marketing Strategies Page 18 3. Methodology Page 24 3. 1 Introduction Page 24 3. 2 Primary Research Page 24 3. 2. 1 Screening Model Page 25 3. 2. 2 Concept Testing

Page 26 3. 2. 3 Questionnaire Page 27 3. 2. 4 Pilot Testing Page 28 3. 3 Alternative Research Page 29 3. 4 Secondary Research Page 30 3. 5 Ethical Consideration Page 31 3. 6 Limitation of Research 4. Findings & Discussion 4. 1 Introduction Page 31 Page 32 Page 32 4 4. 2 SWOT analysis 4. 3 PEST analysis Page 32 Page 34 4. 4 Marketing Segmentation Page 35 4. 5 Marketing Mix Page 41 4. 6 Branding Page 49 4. 7 Budgeting Page 50 5. Conclusion & Recommendation Page 52 5. 1 Conclusion Page 52 5. 2 Recommendation Page 53 6. References Page 54 6. Books Page 54 6. 2 Journals Page 56 6. 3 Websites Page 58 7. Appendices Page 59 7. 1 Appendix A Page 59 7. 2 Appendix B Page 61 7. 3 Appendix C Page 63 5 Contents of Figures Fig 1 Slow Cow Page 8 Fig 2 Different Products Page 9 Fig 3 UK Health sales Page 10 Fig 4 Planning Process Page 14 Fig 5 Porter’s Five Forces Page 17 Fig 6 Market Segmentation Page 19 Fig 7 Branding Page 21 Fig 8 AIDA Model Page 23 Fig 9 Questionnaire Findings Page 23 Fig 10 Questionnaire Findings Page 32 Fig11 Questionnaire Findings Page 37 Fig 12 Questionnaire Findings

Page 39 Fig 13 Questionnaire Findings Page 46 Fig 14 Questionnaire Findings Page 49 6 Chapter1: Introduction (FIGURE 1) 1. 1 Background Red Bull Gmbh was started in 1987 and was set up by Mateschitz and Chaleo Yoovidhya. The innovative idea came from Mateschitz when he visited Thailand in 1982. He wanted to take this product into the global market, which later he did giving it a brand name ‘Red Bull’. This simplistic view to business transcended to be what Red Bull is now, a company viewed to be successful, pioneer of energy drinks.

In 1987, when Red Bull was started there was little competition; the energy drink industry was virtually non-existent. There were few energy drinks but those were not marketed appropriately. Energy drinks like Red Bull has risen to be one of the most globally recognised brands in little more than twenty years (Mellentin, 2008). Considering Red Bull’s success, the number of competition has increased. However, the major threat as a competition currently is an anti-energy drink known as ‘Slow Cow’ which has an exactly opposite reaction to energy drinks.

It has been launched in Canada in December 2008. 7 (www. shaesdg. com/tiy45/3433v/df. html) (FIGURE 2) 1. 2 Rationale behind choosing the company Red Bull’s success is obviously centred on the brand on which the company is built. In 2008, nearly 3 billion cans were consumed in 130 countries. This energy drinks holds more than 60% of the market share worldwide in energy drinks and 19. 1% market share in UK. (Mintel, 2009) The word natural is becoming increasingly popular with consumers as many look for health benefits essential to the drink instead of something that has been fortified.

Diet and health is the most important topic at the forefront of the public issue in the UK driven by increasing obesity level. Healthy eating has shifted to the mainstream; since 2003 food and drink market as a whole has recorded double the growth rate of healthy alternatives. The manufacturers are forced to think something unique and invest high levels of the product development for these products as there has been a great performance of healthy eating. Indexed growth in UK retail value sales of ‘healthy’ food and drinks by type, for the period 8 003-08 (Mintel, 2009) (FIGURE 3) The figure above represents a fast change in the attitude of consumers towards healthy diet which has also lead manufacturers to improve their product selections through acquisitions or by renovating the current brands. The ingredients included in the energy drink are usually formed by mixing carbonated water, Vitamin, Caffeine, taurine and sugar. Red Bull, which is the Britain’s best selling energy drink has caffeine equivalent to a strong cup of coffee while Relentless containing twice the amount of caffeine than Red Bull.

An energy drink known as Cocaine which is about to be introduced in UK has 280mg of caffeine which is more than double the amount in Relentless. However few of them do not label the amount of caffeine in a 250ml can while few have warnings about potential health risks. It has been acknowledged by the World Health Organization that intoxication of caffeine is known as a medical condition. Greater consumption of energy drinks is related to toxic behaviour which could be proved dangerous and abusive actions like unprotected sex, violence and abusive behaviour are reported by New York Times.

However in few countries these energy drinks are prohibited due to the health issues attached to it. Norway and Denmark are few countries who have banned Red Bull. A school in UK has requested the local shops to stop selling Red Bull to under 18’s as the high level of caffeine could be prove risky for students. 9 (http://www. independent. co. uk) On the other hand, the latest buzz is for anti-energy drink which aims to distress and get you relaxed yet focused on what you are doing. As stated earlier this drink was launched in late 2008.

It had struck with success at the launch of this drink, with the smart thinking and packaging of the product similar to its rival but yet providing the opposite effect. It is expected to be available in all of Canada and US by the end of December 2008. It is claimed to provide you with a relax frame of mind and it helps in releasing stress. It is expected to be launched in UK soon. Ingredients such as chamile, valerian and passion flower which are present to calm you down without making you feel dizzy are used in this anti energy drink. Other key ingredients include Theanine.

Justification for this new product into the UK market lies closely to the fact that ‘Slow Cow’s success in this industry is already deeply proven, therefore creating opportunity to sell a product in a different market place. With such rare but favourable media timing (the current climate is infatuated with the health attitudes of the UK population and the effects of lifestyle and diet on British people) there is no better time to launch a product of such nature. 1. 3 Aims & Objectives The aim of this project is to produce a Marketing plan that will enable the introduction of 10 Slow Cow into the UK market.

This project is an attempt to bring comprehensive discussion on the health issues related to Red Bull and the potential of Slow Cow into the UK market. Slow Cow drink will be analysed in terms of how it would perform in the UK market if it will be launched here. Plan suggests what Slow cow should do in relation to what segment – geographical, demographical it should target , what pricing strategy it should adopt, types of promotion, in order to become a successful/popular/profitable brand in the UK. Examine which marketing strategies would be effective in helping the company achieve success within the UK market. . 4 Project Synopsis 11 Chapter 1: Introduction – This chapter has already explained in detail the purpose of study; it has outlined considerable amount of understanding of the topic and the rationale to undertake this area of study. Chapter 2: Literature review – This chapter will start with an in-depth and extensive understanding of marketing plan and relevant topics through academic journals in regards to the influence of marketing strategies and marketing tools. This study will further deepen as theories will be incorporated with the research.

Chapter 3: Methodology – This chapter will cover the introduction to research, primary and secondary methods which will be used to gather highly relevant information to support the project. Finally to conclude, it will have possible limitations and problems encountered during the project and will outline ethical limits. Chapter 4: Research Findings & Discussion – This chapter will present the findings which have been made available through the research conducted to specify the target market and will identify key findings whilst analysing and discussing in relation to the literature and research objectives defined.

Chapter 5: Conclusion – This chapter will start with concluding the outcome of the research carried out and objectives achieved. It will be followed by the recommendation and prospect for future research. Chapter 2: Literature Review 12 2. 1 Introduction A literature review is a “critical analysis of a segment of a published body of knowledge through summary, classification, and comparison of prior research studies, reviews of literature, and theoretical articles. ” (Wisconsin, 1998) This literature review will be based on a marketing plan and some marketing strategies. 2. 2 Marketing Planning Process Fig 4. The Planning Process

These ten stages allow a marketer to analyse the activity in the chosen from the viewpoint of a particular company, (West, 2006) As a result of this analysis the project will aim to identify the correct product that will increase growth and sales for the company and then finally devise a 13 promotional programme to introduce the new product. Although marketing plan appears to be an easy step-by-step process but in reality it is a versatile, difficult activity that goes through every aspect of an organizational life. (Griffin & Mahon 1997) “Failing to plan is planning to fail. ”(A. Lakin, 1985) 2. 3 Marketing Audit

Marketing audit is the most essential part of the marketing planning process which is not only conducted at the beginning but at a series of points during the planning process. There are number of tools and technique used, for example SWOT analysis, PEST and Five forces analyses. Weitz (1998, pg8) believes that the marketing audit is a systematic appraisal of all the external and internal factors of an organization that have an effect on the company’s performance. These factors comprises of the identification of the opportunities and threats that may occur due to the change in the Political, Economical, Social and Technological factors.

It also allows analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of the business than its competitors. The strengths and weaknesses specified to which the business can make use of the environmental opportunities and fade away the threats was in the view of Mintzberg(1985, pg77) The competitive analysis can play a vital role in these aspects of the situation. SWOT Analysis This marketing tool helps to identify the strengths and weaknesses of a company and the opportunities and threats in the environment.

Kolstad (2007) believes having recognized the factors, strategies could be developed with the help of strengths which could help eliminate the weaknesses and take advantage of opportunities to counter the threats. There are two types of appraisal, internal appraisal which identify strengths and weaknesses and external appraisal which identify opportunities and weaknesses. Freidman’s (1972) and Davis (1975) views on being productive is only achieved by defining an objective. If a clear objective has been recognized, SWOT analysis could then be used to track the 14 objective.

However, De Witt and Meyer (1998) argue that SWOT, introduced at an early time, does not provide with few subtler aspects of latest strategic theory, such as trade-offs. PESTEL Analysis The P. E. S. T. L. E analysis is a framework where you can scan the external macroenvironment in which a business operates. According to Auger et al (2003) an organization has to take into account this analysis as it might have certain factors which can go against them by anyone in the environment. There are certain factors which are beyond the control of a business, however are significant when doing product development and business planning. (Wilson, 1997)

PESTEL is a useful tool when introducing a new product or service. It helps the company to come up with numerous assumptions, which then helps the organization to quickly adapt to the reality of the current environment. Kauffman (1999, pg 179) argues that this tool only identifies the external environment and the findings need to be considered with other factors, such as the organisation itself, within its industry and competitors. Porter’s Five Forces Porter’s five forces is the essential step in considering a company’s competitive position. It is a tool to identify opportunities and risks when entering a new territory in any market.

Vermon (1998, p4) analyses the five forces as a guidance to assess and manage the longterm attractiveness of an industry, it also explains the relationship between the five forces that affect an industry’s performance that are: 15 (FIGURE 5) (Solomon et al 2006) discusses the importance of discovering the relationships within the model, which could also change due to shift in the external environment. This guideline will help the plan to achieve the most desired forces against those in the industry. Drummond (2003, Pg12) also takes into account the competitors who should be a priority for a successful marketing plan. A further approach is to anticipate shifts in the factor basic the forces and to respond to them, thus exploiting change by choosing strategy suitable to the competitive balance before competitors recognise it”. (McDonald, 1998) This type of bold thinking is crucial in the beverage industry in which cultural characteristics directly affect suppliers. A criticism on this tool is bought by Kevin P. Coyne (1992) who states that the information gained from this is too limited. 16 2. 4 Marketing Objectives & Strategies (Matten, 2004) states that “An objective is what you want to achieve and a Strategy is how you plan to achieve your objective. However the most vital thing about marketing objective is that it’s only about products and markets. In this scenario the marketing objective should be new product for new market. Aaker (1991, pg 189) defines marketing strategy is something that guides companies to achieve marketing objectives. Marketing objectives helps in achieving corporate objectives and furthermore, corporate objectives aim to achieve a competitive advantage over competitors. Market Segmentation McDonald (1996) states “Market segmentation consists of a group of customers within a market who share a similar level of interest in the same, or comparable, set of needs. A company seeks to gain a differential advantage over its competitors by the means of market segmentation. There are certain criteria concerned of what constitutes a market segment which are: Many of the criteria shown above are obvious when we consider them; in reality practicing market segmentation is one of the most difficult strategies. (Kapfeer, 1997 ) 17 (http://www. 4tmc. co. za/images/Marketing_Mix_Grafic. jpg&imgrefurl) (FIGURE 6) Marketing Mix Marketing mix is made of certain elements which are four P’s (Product, Place, Price, and Promotion).

West (1998, pg 234) defines marketing mix as a marketing tool used by the marketers to find out what customers want, once that has been found it then helps them charge a price for the product, after considering the product and the price then they have to create an awareness of the product, finally they have to make the product land in customers hand. Getting the right product at the right place with the right promotion is an art which all businesses are not successful at. (Bevan, 2007) It stresses the “mixing” of certain decision factors in a way that both objectives are achieved.

However, Peter Doyle (2000) criticizes that marketing mix applied leads to non profitable 18 decisions as it does not consider the financial objectives for instance; increasing shareholder value. According to Doyle the criteria used in determining the best marketing mix has never been transparent. Branding The occurrence of branding remains difficult to understand yet complex topic however, it is a most important aspect of a modern culture. As argued by Kapferer (2008, Pg1) brands are one of the “strategic assets available to a company that can provide a long-lasting competitive advantage…”

McDonald (1994) analyzes positioning the brand successfully above the competitors, companies have to fight for their customers. In order to be an attractive, exclusive, and give an appropriate message to the current and future customers should develop a brand proposition. Davidson (1997, Pg 28) states that “You can’t escape your brand. Either you make the customer experience, or it gets made without you. ” This shows how much importance is given to branding. However, Criticism has been levelled against the concept and implementation of brands, much of it associated with the “anti-globalization” movement.

Kanuk (1983, pg 404) further criticizes branding as an increased marketing expenditure and sometimes the brand creativity does not link with the target audience. 19 (FIGURE 7) Budget A marketing budget is an estimated cost of marketing the products or services. Mintzberg (1983) view on operating an effective marketing plan requires a certain amount of money, so an organization needs to allocate certain amount of funds from the operating. The marketing budget will allocate the costs according to the media and campaign utilized. A Budget is usually set for marketing plan to bear the expenses such as; ? dvertising and promotional plan ? advertising and promotions ? advertising and promotional materials ? a list of advertising media to be used 20 AIDA Model Wiertz (2009) view on the AIDA model is that it is important to take into account the buyer’s determination while launching a product, in buying the productAIDA model (Wiertz, 2009) which determines the buyer’s readiness is important to take into consideration while launching any product, most importantly a product which is widely distributed and catches the attention of the majority.

However, Fulmer & Goodwin (2003 Pg 198) observed that people in every case may not follow the stages as explained in the model. They may follow the stages in some situations, but many do jump directly to other stages while ignoring the logical pattern. For example; A child accompanied by a mother to a grocery store is likely to buy a product without getting into the stages of the model like getting aware of it, product being attractive to the customer might persuade them. (FIGURE 8) 21 Gap in theory and practice

These marketing theories are not practised in industry at a large scale that McBurnie (1989) states that, “research in the early 1980’s showed that some two-thirds of British Companies did not have clearly defined market strategies and did not use basic marketing techniques”. The marketing theories are essential to be adopted in order to be competitive as they are continuously changing and evolving. During those early years British company were not successful as they are now, ignoring the techniques usually required for a successful marketing programme. 2. Literature Summary The literature review has explored the different stages of a marketing plan and the importance and implementation of those stages in order to produce a successful marketing plan according to McDonald. Target market has also been looked upon and examined to investigate which target market/audience will be essential and beneficial. Supporting theories has also been discussed. In addition to this brand awareness programme was also included and discussed as creating brand awareness is crucially important as it leads to consumer recognition and recall. Gilligan, 1969). 22 Chapter 3: Methodology 3. 1 Introduction Saunders et al (2006) tells, “Is an organized and systematic way of finding answers to questions. ” Research method is divided into two parts Primary research and Secondary research. Primary research is further divided into Qualitative and Quantitative data, a research design is chosen based on the project objective. The researcher in this project uses both qualitative and quantitative data collection technique in order to fulfil the objective of the project.

Qualitative research is a useful step to explore true consumer perceptions for Slow Cow. Nevertheless quantitative data would be a follow-up for the qualitative research to get an in-depth insight. (Wilson, 2006) Furthermore there were two more critical points which had to be stated when conducting marketing research. These rotate around how the researcher should treat potential and specific participants of the research and to what extent the activities a researcher can or cannot partake (Bryman & Bell 2007) 3. 2 Primary Research Primary research data is the one which did not exist before.

Primary research designed for this project is to fulfil the objectives. The Primary research will include a screening model, concept testing, and questionnaire which will give us an in-depth research of the product. 3. 2. 1 Screening Model The aim of this screening model is to judge the important areas of the new product development such as growth rate, feasibility, market attractiveness, internal strength and 23 synergy. This model also opens the door or creates more opportunity for a more expensive detailed investigation of the new development.

As according to Kelly and Storey (2000), screening criteria should be used to consider the category like, does the new product fits well with the company plan, does it includes ability to deliver, customer satisfaction or profit could be expected from the new product development or not. Therefore this model provides consistency between the projects, develops a set of should meet and must meet criteria. Should meet criteria also includes the rating from 1 to 5 which is also quite useful for the comparison of scores among the ideas.

This criterion was developed by Renis Likert his scale which had a range from 1 to 5, asked to the participants to state their rating about the product and its launch. (Wilson 2006:176) In the context of my project it was used to find out if the product had fit well with the company plan. It is one of the most effective ways of collecting ideas from a variety of people or team in a little period of time. It is easy to understand and a cost effective method. This model also ease complex decisions to manageable form and it facilitates the researcher to learn more about the project.

Limitations of Screening Model Each model has its own limitations, the limitations of above model include each evaluator might not able to judge all critical areas equally. Profits are crucial criterion not a product score. Reliability of composite scores is also one of the limitations and the respondent might tend to give way neutral scores which could also result in getting inadequate readings for the project. However after considering the usefulness and problems of this model, it has been concluded as, this model has significant importance which helped the researcher to fulfil the objectives.

Therefore, all the above facts stimulate the product development team to specifically focus on this model and implement this into their project. 3. 2. 2 Concept testing 24 Concept testing is a process to evaluate consumer response for a product idea by using quantitative and qualitative method prior to the introduction of the product to the market. Concept testing during old days was tagged with an inadequate method but in modern days with the advent of the Internet, concept testing is experiencing resurgence. It normally involves getting people’s reactions to a statement describing the basic idea of the product.

This shows that this will help the researcher analyze how slow cow will perform in UK market. Moore and William (1982) supported this testing by claiming that it helps in identifying very poor concepts so that they could be eliminated and to estimate the rate and the sales the product will enjoy. Furthermore they said it’s relatively easy to get customer input and stated that “It can be used as an early screen for new product ideas. ” Limitations of Concept testing The rating task may not reflect consumers’ “real” reaction toward the concept. Most concept testing procedure does not provide the necessary information.

Iusom (1994) suggested that a concept testing procedure “should be prescriptive of ‘how go’ as well as ‘if go’. ” There are also often changes in the market place as well as in the legal environment. These changes may also cause the introduction results to differ from the test result (Moore, 1982). Moreover Tauber (1972) adds that trial cannot be translated into adoption depends on satisfaction with the actual product, and a concept test cannot measure this. 3. 2. 3Questionnaire Questionnaire is a way of gathering data from a large number of respondents as it is an inexpensive method.

Chisnall (1991, Pg32) suggests that a well structured questionnaire that is implemented effectively can collect information on both the performances of the test system and guidance on certain components of the system. A questionnaire was designed which had a total of eleven questions, all of them were close 25 questions. The reason for keeping the questions close ended was, people here in UK had very little knowledge about the product, as it has not yet been launched in UK. They were total of sixty respondents who were handed out the question in Uxbridge Town centre.

The questions also included demographic questions, which were used to link the performance and were approved with the test system among people. The purpose of doing the questionnaire in town rather than in the university itself was to acquire a big target market and to know the potential of the product. The findings of the questionnaire will help in guiding the company to know about the consumer’s perception of Slow Cow in UK and at what price would they be willing to buy the drink. The primary role of a questionnaire is to provide the information required for management decision making. McDaniel, 2003) In related to this project it can be identified that questionnaires are one of the most important method of collecting the data as it allows the collection of data regarding consumers perception of the product ‘Slow Cow’ and will it be successful if launched in UK market. This information was extremely important to the project’s aims and objectives. Stokes & Bergin (2006, Pg27) said, “It is important to remember that a questionnaire should be viewed as a multi-stage process beginning with definition of the aspects to be examined and ending with interpretation of the results. ” Limitation of Questionnaires 26

The participants were told about the information being collected and how the result would benefit them. They were asked to reply sincerely, the questionnaire did not require the name of the participant. 3. 3 Pilot testing 27 Introduction Pilot testing is usually a test of the procedures and instrument that is planned to use. It also prevents from landing with costly mistakes. Wright and Crimp (2000) discusses the purpose of pilot testing is to find the weaknesses and alter them before they prove to be costly. This testing is usually used while collecting primary data, and will also inform how difficult would it be to complete.

Identifying the mistakes early can even change what way you collect information. Questionnaires The researcher had six questions designed for the testing which was handed out to friends and relatives to get an overview of the questionnaire. By carrying out the pilot test, gradually the problems were identified with a few questions regarding the slow cow perception which lead to change the question which then could be understood by the participants, however the construction of the questionnaire was done fast comparatively which forced a higher response rate. Concept testing

Researcher also carried out a pre-test of concept testing to ensure that the testing with the students would be easy and would result in an effective manner to support the objectives of the project. By carrying out the trial concept testing which helped in identifying the alterations required in the testing methods. 3. 4 Alternative Research Methods Alternative research methods which could have been used in relevance to this project are best described by Cox & Brittain (2004) which is shown below in a table; 28 Table. 1 – Alternative data collection tools 3. 5 Secondary Research

Data which is gathered by someone else and is ready to be used comes in secondary research. The expense incurred during secondary research is low comparatively to primary research. According to McDaniel & Gates (2003, pg42) the data gathered previously might be out dated which could bring inadequate result. The research included information gathered from newspaper, articles and journals which were accessed from Brunel University. Databases such as Mintel, GMID and Emerald were used in research. The information gathered from the different sources was useful in providing the detailed reports in this industry.

Additionally, secondary research will also include an interview which was carried out by a professor of City University London in 2009 of the owner of Slow Cow drink. 29 3. 6 Ethical Considerations 3. 7 Limitations of Research During research many barriers are likely to be placed, which need to be sorted out properly for successfully achieving the project. Some of them are as listed below: ? Time management: Time always play a major in every routine of life, it will be a key constraint for this project because a lot of time can be spent on primary research such as distributing questionnaires and assess their results.

Therefore the researcher needs to be organised to submit the project on time. ? Access to resources: During the Christmas break university library will not be functioning so in that period, students will be unable to borrow books. ? Access to information: the value of any research findings depend critically on the accuracy of the data collected. ? Cooperation: As part of the primary research process, support from organizations and participants will be required. Furthermore, access to experts for editing, 30 proofreading, and guidance will be needed.

Chapter 4: Findings & Discussion 4. 1 Introduction This chapter will help us examine the research findings and will include a critical discussion to justify the aims and objective of the project. 4. 2 SWOT Analysis As the analyses show that the company has clinch to a good initial brand image, which has a calming effect and is made of natural ingredients. Due to the recent recession it could delay company’s intention to launch in UK, but they have the ability to develop themselves by evolving opportunities into strengths.

According to the reports in Mintel (2009), it is estimated that half of the UK population to be overweight by 2050. So they could persuade people to lead a healthy life and be physically fit. During recent time the health and fitness centres are offering one month free access which then encourages people to live healthy. Below are the few strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats that were analyzed after doing the secondary research. 31 (Table 2) 32 4. 3 PESTEL Analysis (Table 3) 33 4. 4 Marketing Segment Slow cow is an anti-energy drink that helps a person to relax.

This beverage helps the person to calm down which in-turn improves their memory, learning capacity and concentration without causing the person to feel sleepy (www. slowcowdrink. com). The packaging of the product is just like Red Bull, which is an energy drink, but it is a “balm that soothes people and takes the edge of stress” due to its healthy nature and complexity (Totheroh, 2009). L-Theanine is a key ingredient of Slow Cow, which is found in tea plants (White, 2009). Due to this key ingredient Slow Cow has a de-stress effect, which is similar to green tea. It’s like a new way to have tea… instead, we want people to say let’s have a Slow Cow” claims Mr. Lino Fleury (Wiertz, 2009). Slow Cow can be considered a subsidiary for tea in North America as stated by Lyon, “The quality of tea we get here is often very poor compared to say, Japan. Where their tea is actually rich in L-Theanine, ours has a very small amount of it” (Totheron, 2009). On the other hand, it could not compensate for tea. Drinking tea in the UK is a custom and it is irreplaceable. Slow Cow has to take this into consideration before entering the UK market.

Hence, it would be better for Slow Cow not to base its predictions on the tea segment of the market in the United Kindom. It is argued that Slow Cow is a healthy drink for consumers, whereas people who are health conscious would substitute Slow Cow with Vitamin water or multi vitamin juice due to the blue, carbonated water. Slow Cow would have to be launched in the UK under the category of relaxation or Anti-Energy drink. This would be appealing to customers who have a stressed routine, such as students, professionals and sport enthusiasts.

The main target for Slow Cow would be customers aged 18-45; hence it would have to be launched in the adult soft drink market. The biggest benefit that Slow Cow would reap from this move is that the adult soft drinks market is the fastest growing sector in the soft drinks market. The growth 34 rate has been up 84% since 2000 for the adult soft drinks market (Mintel, 2006). Slow Cow is more comparable to iced tea. Sales in volume had an impressive growth as it trebled between 2000 and 2005 (Mintel, 2006) (Refer to Appendix II)

Products like iced tea have already gained a lot of popularity in the US and continental Europe (Mintel, 2006). On the other hand, again, due to tea being a major part of the culture in the UK, even products like iced need tea to get accepted by the British customers. Slow Cow is no iced tea but it has a similar appeal to that of tea. Therefore, Slow Cow needs to be promoted as a natural and healthy product rather than promoting it as a substitute for tea, in order to be successful. (FIGURE 9) Therefore the adult soft drink market would be a more appropriate sector to base Slow Cow’s market potential on.

As you can see on the above figure that more than 50% of participants that were aged 18-25 had the good news for Slow Cow is that the adult soft drinks sector is one of the fastest growing in the soft drinks market. The growth rate continues to expand since 2000 and has an 84% increase in volume since then (Mintel, 35 2006). Even though it is the flavored water that holds most of the market share currently, iced tea, which Slow Cow is more comparable to, is a newly emerging sector. Sales in volume had an impressive growth as it trebled between 2000 and 2005 (Mintel, 2006). Refer to Appendix II) Products such as iced tea have already gained much popularity in US and continental Europe (Mintel, 2006). However, again, as tea is part of the British tradition, even products such as iced tea still need to acquire acceptance among the consumers in the UK. Slow Cow is not an iced tea as such but its appeal is similar to one of a tea. Hence in order to successfully market this product in the UK, Slow Cow strongly needs to be promoted as a healthy (e. g. low-calorie) and natural (e. g. natural ingredient) product rather than a substitute for tea. Figure 10) The above figure illustrates that 73% of participants were health conscious Health issues have been a recent focus for British consumers. Media campaigns covering issues such as obesity and heart disease for instance have raised awareness immensely, then forcing most consumers to become more health conscious; this has lead to a change in their attitudes towards what they consume then leading to a change in their lifestyle as well. Consumers are making rapid shifts from drinks with high sugar content to drinks with more 36 natural ingredients.

The above figure illustrates that 73% of participants were health conscious The percent of carbonated soft drinks such as colas consumed decreased between 2002 and 2004 (Mintel, 2006). Drinks with more juice content such as J20 are now more appealing to the consumers. One particular change in consumers’ attitudes has been not just to go for a low-calorie or low sugar drink but actually place an increased focus on the products’ ingredients and their functionality. Slow Cow has a great deal of these ‘healthy ingredients’ that promote a healthier image and more importantly creates a “sophisticated” image (Mintel, 2006).

This then adds value to the product to justify its premium charge. Target Market Approach and Psychographic/Demographic profile of the target customers The business needs to target a few markets rather than going for a mass marketing strategy. Adopting a segmentation approach can be very advantageous for the business as it helps in effective resource allocation, customer analysis, effective market planning, expanding the market and it also makes it easier for the business to fully analyze and understand its competitors. The target market for Slow Cow is the middle to high class segment of the population.

This is because they are the most willing to spend and try something new. Also it is mainly students and people with stressful jobs that may require a drink like Slow Cow to relax them. Based on our own survey carried out on individuals above 18, the majority of energy and anti-energy drink consumers earn an income of ? 1500 or over per month. A change in the British demographics may particularly benefit sales for Slow Cow. Consumers at the upper end of the market in 2004 were also predicted to increase by 5% by 2009 (Mintel, 2006). They, along with the middle-class are usually the main consumers of adult soft drinks.

Consumers are predicted to maintain their willingness to spend. A rise in consumer expenditure is specifically anticipated in the 15-24 years old age group (Mintel, 2006). Also as the target costumer for our product is between 18-45, they may also profit from the increased ageing population in the UK. Adults aged over 20 increased by 2. 2% in 2 years from 2002 and augmented to 45 million adults in 2004 (Mintel, 2006). 37 Apart from that the older generation should not be overlooked. After the gym, Slow Cow can be used by this segment of consumers, men or women who can enhance the experience of a relaxing spa with the drink.

Moreover, the older generation is the working generation and should be targeted because of their high levels of stress and pressure that they go through in their work and daily lives. For a hardworking employee who has a hectic and fast paced job, a drink such as “Slow Cow” that promotes the idea of relaxation, can be quite useful. Characteristics of Targeted Customers Benefits/Needs sought by the market The market needs reasonable pricing. Due to recession, consumers are becoming increasingly price-conscious. Nobody is willing to buy an overpriced product.

Along with that, the society is becoming more health conscious and Slow Cow should lay more emphasis on its natural ingredients. Very few drinks promote the idea of relaxation; therefore, Slow Cow should focus on differentiating itself from the clutter of existing products by emphasising on its many benefits which include relaxation, concentration, reducing nervousness, treating insomnia and decreases fatigue. Product Usage As already mentioned Slow Cow has a lot of benefits which can used by the masses. Everyone needs a bit of relaxation and calmness. The product can be used at anytime and anywhere by consumers who want to embrace slowness. www. slowcowdrink. com) 38 (FIGURE 11) Product Positioning Slow Cow is challenging and is playing with Red Bull’s name and logo (www. creativematch. com), yet at the same time it creates the opposite effect. The figure above shows the energy drink consumed by the participants where at least 40% people use to consume energy drink once a week, whereas total of 72% of participants have energy drinks once a week. The company is focusing on a differentiation strategy. It is positioning itself as the opposite of Red Bull and other energy drink with a focus on calmness.

In other words, Slow Cow is not necessarily capturing Red Bull customers, but instead it is attracting more potential customers to functional beverages in general and developing the market further. It could be positioned as a “cooler” version of tea and juices. As far as the UK, market is concerned Slow Cow should position itself as an Anti Energy drink as customers today are open to new imaginative and useful products. Purchasing Process Slow Cow will be introduced as an anti energy drink which is a completely new segment. Much of the marketing for the product will be done by the consumers itself.

The company 39 will have to rely heavily on word of mouth or “buzz” marketing. The company will have to focus on getting the word out through playing on association with relaxation, calmness and de-stress. The company will have to look at the decision making process of the buyers and analyse their needs and consumption pattern. Consumers will not buy Slow Cow based on impulse. The buying will be based on a detailed and well researched or planned consumer decision process. This is because consumers always look at the side effects associated with such drinks.

Peer pressure and other environmental or group pressures do encourage the consumption of products such as Slow Cow, but consumers who actually need the product will make the purchase themselves. 4. 5 Marketing Mix 40 . 41 (FIGURE 12) Promotion Slow Cow promotion should be centred on the promotion of its benefits that include its ability to calm consumers, to help consumers concentrate and to provide natural energy. After stating the benefits of Slow Cow it shows that 71% of participants would try the drink after the information provided to them.

The drink is aimed to target people who live a busy lifestyle, are health conscious and often anxious. The drink should be promoted mainly at spas, gyms, universities and work related areas. The promotion campaign will comprise of three main promotional methods, advertising, sales promotion, Buzz and Viral Marketing. 42 Advertising The Company can hire eco-vans from promobikes (www. promobikes. co. uk) to promote the drink around 3 cities in the UK. The vans have visual appeal and will attract customer attention. 43 (FIGURE 13) Sales Promotion

The sales promotion boosts sales during promotion period because of the incentive effect. The company can offer the drink at various universities, work areas and spas at an introductory offer at “Half the price” of the original can. The company can also distribute flyers and display posters around UK. The above figure explains that people would like to consume most in university which is 40% where the work load and stress is more. As you can see that there is much less likelihood that people will have Slow cow at the Spa as you will already be having a relaxing session. 44

Vertical Indirect Channel Manufacturer Wholesaler Retailer Consumer (FIGURE 14) 45 At a launch of a new product, an intensive distribution should be applied, since the product should be as widely available as possible. (Brassington and Pettitt) In the presence of an intensive distribution, the product is placed in as many outlets as possible where availability may be just around the corner. This type of distribution usually involves long chain distribution mentioned above (producer-wholesaler-retailer-consumer) where the product is widely distributed. (Refer to Appendix III).

The types of retailers in which Slow Cow should be sold and where the target consumers would be found are: 1. Large Supermarkets 2. 24 Hour shops and fuel stations where people might need the relaxation at night after a stressful working day. Demand would peak at night and/or weekends. 3. Universities (vending machines) in induce relaxation in students as well as improve their concentration. 4. Promotion at Sports events such as Golf/chess tournaments. 5. Spas where consumers would need to relax and enjoy their treatment. The geographic location of these retailers should be however based in the city rather than in rural areas.

Due to the hectic and stressful City life, there would be a larger proportion of people suffering from stress and needing methods of relaxation, without deterioration in concentration or drowsiness. The wide distribution of the product, in the locations where our target consumers should be located, will increase brand awareness, curiosity and the urge to try the product. The product was launched in December 2008 in Canada and is believed to be available in all large upmarket supermarkets in Canada such as Costo’s, Seven Eleven, Petro Canada etc by the end of this year, as well as over 1,500 independent convenience stores. Wahlgren, 2009) The launch of the drink in the UK should undertake the same approach, through the distribution in large, regularly visited supermarkets primarily, since with this approach, the overall sales between December 2008 and August 200 have hit over 1. 2 million cans. This distribution approach should however be expanded into the numerous locations mentioned above. 46 (FIGURE 15) Pricing Pricing is an important factor for determining profits. Pricing can make or break the success of a product.

It directly impacts revenue and acts as a competitive weapon. When determining the price a manager needs to remember that prices one set are very difficult to change. The Q4 of the questionnaire states that 62% of the participant fall in the ? 500? 1000 category which means the cost of a can of Slow Cow should be relatively less. Ever since energy drinks such as Red Bull took the world by storm, beverage makers have been looking for the next big thing. Datamonitor, the market research company, has tipped relaxation drinks as a trend to watch in 2009.

The products are hitting the market in midrecession, as sales of energy drinks – the fastest-growing segment of the $50 billion nonalcoholic beverage market with 300 product launches between 2003 and 2008 — are leveling off. (Times, 2009) The following factors determine the price of Slow Cow: 47 Product Slow Cow is concerned. The researcher did a direct price response survey for the product. ? 1. 69 ? 1. 79 ?1. 89 Definitely would buy it 65% 45% 40% Probably would buy it 20% 20% 10% Probably wouldn’t buy it 10% 20% 28% 5% 15% 22% Definitely wouldn’t buy it (Refer to Appendix A for survey)

As the customers expect a low price, researcher has set the price at ? 1. 69 per can which is part of our penetration pricing strategy (Bovay, 2008). The researcher’s aim is to achieve a large market share. As the company faces competition, it can raise its prices accordingly. 48 The other strategy which we have tried to implement is psychological pricing strategy by setting a price ending with the 9 digit number. In addition, Slow Cow could also promote price bundling, by offering 4 can packets at stores like Tesco and Sainsbury, which attracts customers as they assume they are getting better value for money and customers. . 6 Branding Branding is of great value to consumers since strong brands can show the function of the product and help consumers judge whether it is their sort of product. (Brassington and Pettitt, 2007) The brand name should be simple, familiar and distinctive as well as meaningful. ‘Slow Cow’ relates too much to Red bull and since the target market should not assume it’s a competitor to Red bull, the name would be recommended to be changed to Slow Cow, which clearly communicates the products effects and benefits and is an appealing name which could attract consumers simply because of its unique and uncommon name.

Furthermore, Slow Cow would be similar to Blue Cow which has been launched on the “West Coast of the America in 2005, containing the key ingredient of Suntheanine, a patented formulation based on L-theanine” (Times, 2009) and is due to be launched in the UK in 2010. 4. 7 Budgeting Since Slow Cow is in the pre-launch phase of the product life cycle, and is competitive to other energy drinks which dominate the market such as Red Bull, the right promotion techniques need to be implemented.

A promotion mix of mass media such viral marketing and internet advertisement as well as publicity through PR is vital to introduce the product effectively to the market. The AIDA model (Wiertz, 2009) which determines the buyer’s readiness is important to take into consideration while launching any product, in particular a product which is widely distributed and is attractive to the majority of the population. 49 (FIGURE 16) Researcher has have relied on ‘eco trucks’ (www. promobikes. co. uk) which will cost ? 290 per day. (Refer to Appendix D) it would recommend hiring five trucks.

Three trucks could drive around Zone 1 and Zone 2 in London, 1 truck in Birmingham (student area) and 1 truck at Bath (particularly known for its spas). they will be distributing flyers and putting up posters all around the UK. The cost incurred for 50,000 flyers and 20,000 posters will be ? 20,390. (http://www. walesprint. com/) 50 The remaining balance of ? 186,110 will be used to offer or promote the drink at spas, gyms, universities and work related areas at an introductory offer at “Half the drinks price” as well as cover the costs of the staff used to promote the product.

Chapter 5: Conclusion & Recommendation 5. 1 Conclusion This project analyzed the development of the Slow Cow brand, its product and customers 51 by using primary and secondary research. Consumers concluded that this was the product which stood out to them, and that the most important aspect of this was the innovation of the product and the company’s dedication to resolve public issue which was health eating. Concept testing analyzed and illustrated that consumers would be more than willing to accept an anti-energy drink with natural ingredients over all other possibilities.

It also suggested that the participants were enthusiastic about the product launch in UK. Questionnaires suggested that people specifically eighteen and above were willing to try the product. It also illustrated that people were more health conscious. Finally, the discussion showed that the marketing plan took into consideration the expectations of the consumers and the demand of Slow Cow drink. The increasing eagerness to have a healthier lifestyle will boost the growth of new products. The target market has been set. The price which is comparatively low is achievable by Slow Cow due to its cheap packaging material.

It is essential to invest into extensive marketing strategies at the introductory level of the product lifecycle to increase the brand awareness. 5. 2 Recommendation 52 53 Chapter 6: REFERENCE LIST 6. 1 Books: i. Bevan, J. “Energy drinks and its success” 3rd edition (2007) ii. Baker, J. “Marketing Strategy and Management” 2nd edition Macmillan Press (1992) iii. Gilligan, J. and Wilson, M. S. “Strategic Marketing Planning” British Library (2003) iv. Drummond, G. Ensor, J. and Ashford, R. “Strategic Marketing Planning and Control” 2nd edition Elsevier (2001) v. Lambin, J. and Jean “Strategic Marketing Management” McGraw Hill (1997) vi.

Kottler “ Principles Of Marketing” (1997) vii. Jewel, B. “An introduction to Business Studies” Second Edition. Financial Times. Pearson Education. (1999) viii. ix. McDonald, Malcolm “Strategic Marketing Planning” (1938) Mullins, J. “Management and Organisational Behaviour” 2nd edition Prentice Hall (2005) x. Brassington, F. and Pettitt, S (2007). Essentials of Marketing. Harlow, England: Pearson Education Limited. xi. Lamb, Charles W. , Hair Joseph F Jr. , McDaniel, Carl. (2009). Essentials of Marketing, 6th edition, South Western Cengage learning, pp: 137-204 xii. Wiertz 2009: Handbook lecture notes xiii. Carter; Meg (2004, June).

Opportunity beckons. Marketing, 36-37. Retrieved October 29, 2007, from ABI/INFORM Research database. (Document ID: 656709331). 54 xiv. Emily Rogers (2004, January). Packaging integrity to be key branding issue. Marketing, 10. Retrieved October 29, 2007, from ABI/INFORM Research database. (Document ID: 525699081). xv. Daniel B Honigman (2007, October). 10 MINUTES WITH EXPERIENTIAL MARKETING GURU BERND SCHMITT. Marketing News, 41(17), 26-30. Retrieved November 5, 2007, from ABI/INFORM Research database. (Document ID: 1370247301). xvi. Drummond, Ensor, Ashford (2003) Strategic Marketing Planning & Control, Elsevier Butterworth Heinemann Pg27 vii. Duffy, Neill. John Wiley & sons c2003 Passion branding xviii. Gilligan. Wilson, Strategic Marketing Planning, 2003; Butterworth Publishing, Oxford xix. Greenley, Gordon E. 1990 The strategic and operational planning of marketing Prentice Hall, Devon xx. Grundy (2006). Rethinking and reinventing Michael Porters five forces model. Strategic Change, 15(5), 213. Retrieved October 29, 2007, from ABI/INFORM Research database. (Document ID: 1165588081). xxi. Hooley, Graham, Saunders, John, Piercy, Nigel Marketing Strategy and Competitive Positioning, Third Edition 2004 Pearson Education Limited,

Prentice Hall xxii. John Simmons (July 2006) Great Brand Stories Building a brand from nothing but fruit CYAN London ID: 139781905736041 xxiii. Karen Rothwell (2007, July). What Tools Are in Your Tool Kit? Competitive Intelligence Magazine, 10(4), 55-57. Retrieved October 29, 2007, from ABI/INFORM Research database. (Document ID: 1309178511). xxiv. Lambin, Jean-Jacques, 1933- Market-driven management : strategic and operational marketing xxv. McDonald, Strategic Marketing Planning, Cranefield Management, 1996, Second Edition, Pentonville Road; London xxvi. Mintzberg, Quinn, Ghoshal;

The Strategy Process, European Edition; 1998 Prentice Hall, Devon 55 xxvii. Robert Chapman Wood (2007). How strategic innovation really gets started. Strategy & Leadership, 35(1), 21-29. Retrieved October 29, 2007, from ABI/INFORM Research database. (Document ID: 1177703971). xxviii. Wilson, Gilligan. Strategic Marketing Planning, 2003; Butterworth Publishing, Oxford xxix. West; Douglas, Ford; John, Ibrahim; Essam, Published; 2006, Oxford University Press, Oxford xxx. West, Ford, Ibrahim (July 2006) Strategic Marketing, Creating Competitive Advantage pg 101-177 Strategic marketing decisions. xxxi.

Whittington, Richard, 1958-. What is strategy – and does it matter? xxxii. Anon: Study Text; Professional Post-Graduate Diploma in Marketing 2005-2006 June Examination period. Paper 10 Strategic Marketing Decisions. 6. 2 Journals: i. Whitehead, M. “Britain’s Leading Retailer: Quality and Value Worldwide” Management Decision, Vol. 32 No. 3, 1994, pp. 38-41 MCB University Press, 0025-1747 ii. Springs, A. “The internal auditor” Vol. 64, iss 5: pg: 73, 3 pgs iii. Milford, M. “Retail and services Marketing Energy drinks” (2003) iv. Green, M. “UK organic in higher demand” (2006) v. vi. Jones, P. and Comfort D. Healthy eating and the UK’S major food retailers: a case study in corporate social responsibility” British Food Journal, Vol. 107 No. 6, pp. 423-35. Mintel, “Energy Drinks UK-November 2004” Mintel, London (2004) vii. Mintel, “Functional Drinks UK-November 2005” Mintel, London (2005) viii. Strategic Direction “Slow Cow giving competition to Red Bull Vol. 2 NO. 9, pp. 28-31, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, ISSN 0258-0543 (2005) ix. Mintel (2006, January). Adult Soft drinks – UK. Retrieved from http://0academic. mintel. com. wam. city. ac. uk/sinatra/oxygen_academic/search_results/show &/display/id=173695 56 x.

Mintel (2008, September), “Healthy Eating and Drinking- UK” Retrieved on December 7, 2009 xi. Totheroh, G (2009, January 13) “Feeling a Little unfocused? Try a Cup of Tea”. Retrieved on December 1, 2009 xii. White, M. (2009, May 6) “Calm down by sipping a Slow Cow”. Retrieved on December 7, 2009 from Canwest News Service xiii. Andrew Saunders (2000, March). How the world fell for a bunch of smoothies. Management Today, 76-79. Retrieved October 29, 2007, from ABI/INFORM Research database. (Document ID: 50836396). xiv. Carter; Meg (2004, June). Opportunity beckons. Marketing, 36-37. Retrieved October 29, 2007, from

ABI/INFORM Research database. (Document ID: 656709331). xv. Emily Rogers (2004, January). Packaging integrity to be key branding issue. Marketing, 10. Retrieved October 29, 2007, from ABI/INFORM Research database. (Document ID: 525699081). 6. 3 Websites: i. Benefits (2009). Retrieved December 4, 2009, from Slow Cow, An acupuncture session: http://www. slowcowdrink. com/slowcow_en. asp? no=262 ii. Bovay, K. (2008). Market Penetration Pricing – A Quick Market Entry Pricing Strategy. Retrieved December 8, 2009, from http://ezinearticles. com/? MarketPenetration-Pricing—A-Quick-Market-Entry-Pricing-Strategy&id=1341563 iii. Slow Cow” Brand Differentiation Strategy. (2009). Retrieved December 6, 2009, from Creative Match: http://www. creativematch. com/viewNews/? 97559 iv. Times, T. (2009, September 8) Blue Cow is poised to take Red Bull by the horns. Retrieved December 8, 2009, from Times Online: http://business. timesonline. co. uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/consumer_goods/arti cle6825334. ece v. Wahlgren. E, (2009, October 7) “Adios, Red Bull? Anti-energy drinks seek to soothe frazzled Americans”. Retrieved December 5 from http://www. dailyfinance. com/2009/10/07/anti-energy-drinks/ 57 vi. Williams, H. Energy drinks: Do they work? ” ( 2009, October 20) retrieved November 29 from http://www. independent. co. uk/life-style/health-andfamilies/features/energy-drinks-do-they-work-1805598. html vii. Wilson, D. R. (2000, January 1). The Six Simple Principles of Viral Marketing. Retrieved December 7, 2009, from http://www. wilsonweb. com/wmt5/viralprinciples-clean. htm viii. www. promobikes. co. uk (Retrieved December 8, 2009) ix. http://www. walesprint. com (Retrieved December 8, 2009) 58 Chapter 7: Appendices 7. 1 Appendix A 59 60 61 7. 2 Appendix B Screening Model Must Meet Criteria (Circle the best option) 62

Should Meet Criteria (rate the following questions from 1 to 5) 63 Total: ______ 64 Appendix C Concept Testing A beverage manufacturer would like to get your reaction to an idea for a new anti energy drink. Please read the description below before answering the questions. Slow Cow Here is a tasty beverage that makes you relax and calm, yet focused on. It releases your stress. It helps in many ways and the ingredients found in this drink are 100% natural, it comes in a similar packaging to Red Bull and it costs ? 1. 69. 65 Appendix D UK retail sales of RTD tea and coffee, volume and value, 2000-05 m litres 6 7 9 12 14 17

According to a secondary research, which I carried on the effects of caffeine on human health, I found out that, Caffeine is the most consumed substance globally, it is commonly found in beverages such as; coffee, tea, soft drinks and also in cocoa contained in various products, it is also found in medical products. Due to the high consumption by the public, many scientists have tried to bring the public to the knowledge of the effects of caffeine on human health.

Positive Effects of Caffeine

Although it is argued that, the intake of a small amount of caffeine does not create adverse effects such as the cardiovascular effects, toxicity and also a change in the personal behavior and effects on male fertility. Coffee is seen as a widely drink globally, carrying various advantages such as; it acts as a stimulator for the human beings’ central nervous system whereby it is known that it enhances the production  hormones such as adrenalin which is well known for the management of stress by the body.

Caffeine is said to be an increasing agent of intellectual activities when a person is tired, it also speeds up the metabolic activities whose importance is to conserve glycogen and glucose and therefore, maintaining the activity of the brain and reduces hunger in a person. It also acts as a protective agent against the cirrhosis of the liver; it also prevents crystallization of cholesterol and lessens the risk of growth of gallstones. Caffeine also increases the human heart beat temporarily in addition to this, it stimulates the functions of the lungs, and it also allows the manufacture of urine in the body. Urine production; lastly it is best used for relaxing of smooth muscles such as the bronchial muscles.

Negative Effects of Caffeine on Human Health

Despite the said advantages about coffee, people are called upon to learn and have more knowledge on the negative effects of the caffeine this effects include; a high consumption of caffeine results in the reduction of energy in the body, since coffee contains various chemicals such as caffeine, creosote, pymdine, tars and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons which are normally produced by the roasting of the coffee beans under a high temperature heat. Each of these chemicals carries its own effect on the health of a person whereby, caffeine is well known to be interfering with adenosine which carries a calming effect in the brain.

The Cortisols are known to be causing high blood pressure diseases by increasing the pumping action of the heart which comes as a result of the blood vessels constriction. According to the research done, on the effects of caffeine on human fertility, reproduction, lactation and development, it was found that it leads to a reduction in the weight of a child during his development, but this comes as result of an excessive intake of coffee, this is because it affects the hematologic factor of the infant though it has no effect on the composition of the maternal milk but it stimulates its production.

Coffee is best found to be containing chemicals that are found causing the stomach lining irritation, whereby it acts as a causing factor of most digestive disorders. Coffee also contains a high amount of vitamin K that is said to be affecting the Coagulabilty of the blood that is known to be affecting those people who have high risks of various heart diseases such as heart attacks, stroke and blood clots.

Recommendation

Due to this, the expectant mothers are advised to have a limited intake of coffee, this is because caffeine is known to be associated with an increased risks of bone fractures and also, it leads to a reduced mass of the bones coming up as a result of a higher caffeine in the blood which affects the absorption of calcium nutrients, thus enhancing a low calcium intake which ends up weakening the bones. Coffee is also known to be reducing kidney stones whereby, the flow of urine is increased while its concentration is reduced

Therefore, we are advised to carry out the following measures in order to avoid the negative side effects of caffeine, when a woman is pregnant or nursing a baby, therefore she should not be allowed to take coffee, also those people suffering from diseases such as; gall stones, heart diseases and high blood pressure, mental illness and also those suffering from anxiety are also advised not to use caffeine since it is noticed to be increasing the disease condition in the body.

Conclusion

From the research I therefore conclude that, the consumers should use the decaffeinated coffee which is said to have a less effect on the human health. In this case, the research showed that in the past decaffeinated coffee was normally extracted through an industrial method that involved the use of some chemicals benzene, chloroform, trichloroethylene and dichloromethane as a result of environmental pollution, the manufacturers started to apply the following methods which is applied up to date in the manufacture of decaffeinated coffee; this involve the extraction of water under which the beans of the coffee are soaked in water, after soaking, the water including caffeine and other chemicals are placed into a charcoal that is always activated that is meant to eliminate the caffeine from the coffee.

This water is therefore taken back to the beans and is allowed to evaporate until dry, this evaporation and drying gives the decaffeinated coffee with a good taste which is said to maintain the good scent of coffee thus attracting more consumers.

References

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