Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Final Project: SWOT Analysis

“Managing the marketing function begins with a complete analysis of the company’s situation. The marketer should conduct a SWOT analysis, by which it evaluates the company’s overall strengths (S), weaknesses (W), opportunities (O), and threats (T).”

This SWOT Analysis company profile is a crucial resource for industry executives and anyone looking to quickly understand the key information concerning Edwards Salads business.

Strengths: Edwards Salads has a significant market share in many markets covering 48 states. This geographical diversity helps the business sustain its competitive strengths. With a valuable private label business, innovative formats and customer service focus, the company can compete against the likes of other salad companies.

Weaknesses: Edwards Salads operates 42 manufacturing plants including dairies, bakeries, beverage plants, and meat plants. Food manufacturing represents a risk of food contamination. A serious contamination can damage the company's brand and hurt corporate profits.

Opportunities: The expansion of the company into the finance market provides a strong future opportunity. Edwards Salads Personal Finance brand provides convenience to grocery shoppers and can potentially mimic the success of salad companies that have been established earlier.

Threats: A slowing economy with higher levels of inflation affecting the price of food and greater fuel costs impacting transportation cost, Edwards Salads can have lower profit margins. Cost conscious consumers will shift their buying habits to less high-end foods and gourmet items (with greater margins) to lower margin food items.

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