ABC is one of the leading producers of convenience goods in Zambia including cookies, washing paste, breakfast cereal, energy drinks and biscuits with over K15 million in annual revenues and a market share of over 45%.
Mr. Tama Zuma, the chairman and CEO of ABC takes pride in being a part of the ABC group because of the consistency of the decisions that are made within the company to promote the long-term growth of their business as well as serve the needs of their people and communities.
With such a large share of the market, one would think that ABC is untouchable. However , ABC faced a slump in the market. Its cereal sales were declining and it had to face the challenge of getting out of its slump. ABC therefore turned to marketing research to identify the problem and develop several solutions to increase cereal sales.
To identify the problem ABC used several tasks to help them in the process. The researchers spoke to decision makers within the company, interviewed industry experts, conducted analysis of available data and performed some qualitative research. Several important issues came out of this preliminary research. Current products were being targeted to kids. High prices were turning consumers to generic brands. Some other information also came to light during the research. Adults want quick foods that require very little or no preparation