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Portfolio Analysis

Competitor Benchmarking for Growth in European Foodservice

Background: Transforming a Product Portfolio for Growth

Our client, a prominent food manufacturer, aimed to transform its European ‘ready to eat’ and dressings portfolio to unlock greater growth. To shape effective future strategies, they needed a robust understanding of top competitors and market dynamics across key categories and geographies in Europe.

The main challenges included navigating a saturated foodservice market with numerous local and global players, understanding evolving consumer buying behaviours, and addressing the constraints of a volume-driven versus price-driven market. The client’s key question was:
“How can we outmanoeuvre competitors and develop a winning strategy in the European foodservice market?”

Portfolio Analysis

Service: Market Analysis, Competitor Strategy
Sector: Consumer Goods

Approach: Competitor Benchmarking and Market Dynamics Analysis

To answer this question, we adopted a competitor benchmarking approach, combining qualitative and quantitative research:

  • Competitor Intelligence:
    • Conducted in-depth interviews with executives knowledgeable on key competitors.
    • Performed extensive desktop research to gather market intelligence.
  • Market and Portfolio Analysis:
    • Analysed competitor performance using Euromonitor data.
    • Mapped competitor product portfolios through their websites and local retailers.
  • Strategic Insights:
    • Assessed competitors’ strategic focus, growth tactics, and market positioning.
    • Examined how competitors tailored their portfolios to local tastes and preferences.

This comprehensive methodology provided a clear view of the competitive landscape and actionable insights for our client.

Outcome: Actionable Growth Strategies to Outcompete Competitors

Our project delivered targeted recommendations to drive growth in fast-growing product categories and defend positions in stable markets. Key deliverables included:

  • Growth Opportunities:
    • Identified high-potential product categories for expansion.
    • Suggested leveraging brand authority and exploring strategic acquisitions.
  • Market Penetration Strategies:
    • Recommended focusing on trending dishes and consumer preferences.
    • Provided tactics to enhance market penetration and achieve sustainable growth.

Armed with these insights, the client is now positioned to refine their product portfolio, outpace competitors, and achieve long-term success in the European foodservice sector.

Why Choose Us for Competitor Benchmarking?

Our expertise in competitor benchmarking and market analysis for the consumer goods sector ensures clients receive actionable, evidence-based strategies. To learn more about the power of competitor benchmarking, read our blog here.

Get in touch with Jon to see how White Space strategy can support you explore market developments within consumer markets.




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