Review the attached case study and answer the below question in 2 slides with talking points:
Question:
Logistics & Supply Chain Management: Explore logistical solutions for establishing a successful regional presence on the east coast. Discuss considerations such as transportation, distribution, inventory management, and regional production facilities. Evaluate the benefits of regional production facilities and their alignment with Karma Bakers' goals.
Requirements:
– Slides to follow the format of the attached presentation
– 2 slides minimum required
– 2 APA 7th edition references required
– Slides to include 1-2 charts (such as some stats) also referenced to in the slide or the talking points
Case Study: Karma Bakers – Expanding to the East Coast
Industry Analysis
The market for gluten-free and vegan bakery products has exhibited remarkable growth in
recent years. Several notable players have emerged as industry leaders, including:
Erin McKenna's Bakery: Renowned for their gluten-free and vegan baked goods, with multiple
locations across the United States.
Cinnaholic: Offers customizable vegan cinnamon rolls and other vegan bakery treats.
Sticky Fingers Bakeries: Distributes gluten-free and vegan baked goods to retailers nationwide.
BabyCakes NYC: A significant presence in the New York City area, specializing in gluten-free and
vegan bakery products.
Challenges in Logistics and Raw Material Costs: Two significant challenges that Karma Bakers
faces are:
Gluten-free Raw Materials: Sourcing high-quality gluten-free raw materials presents a challenge
due to limited availability and higher costs compared to conventional ingredients. This may
require dedicated partnerships with suppliers and meticulous inventory management to ensure
a consistent supply of certified gluten-free ingredients.
Shipping Costs: Overnight shipping for products that need to be iced incurs substantial
expenses, particularly for customers on the east coast. Establishing a regional presence on the
east coast can help reduce shipping costs and ensure fresher products for customers.
Company Background
Karma Bakers is a renowned bakery located in the LA area of California, known for its
specialization in crafting 100% vegan and gluten-free bakery products. Their unwavering
commitment to using certified vegan and gluten-free ingredients has garnered them a
dedicated and loyal customer base. However, a significant challenge has surfaced in the form of
high shipping fees faced by customers on the east coast and other high-demand areas due to
overnight shipping requirements. In light of this challenge, Karma Bakers aims to strategically
expand its operations to the east coast, aiming to minimize shipping costs, boost sales, and offer
better service to their valued customers.
Karma Bakers has established a solid reputation for producing delectable vegan and gluten-free
bakery items. This niche focus has allowed them to create a unique selling proposition, catering
to health-conscious consumers, individuals with dietary restrictions, and those seeking ethically
conscious products. Their commitment to quality has translated into a loyal customer base that
values their offerings.
Problem Statement
Despite the success and loyalty Karma Bakers has achieved, the issue of substantial additional
charges for overnight shipping to the east coast and other high-demand areas is causing a strain
on both customers and the company's logistics. To address this challenge, Karma Bakers is
actively exploring the option of expanding their operations to the east coast. The goal is to
optimize shipping costs, boost sales by tapping into a new geographical market, and provide an
improved customer experience.
Case Activity
In this assignment, you will work in teams to analyze the case of Karma Bakers' proposed
expansion to the east coast. Your task is to evaluate the company's situation, conduct in-depth
analysis, and provide well-structured recommendations for their expansion strategy. This
assignment allows you to apply your understanding of business strategy, market analysis, and
supply chain management to a real-world scenario.
Task 1: Case Analysis
Review the provided case of Karma Bakers and their plans for east coast expansion. Identify key
information, challenges, and opportunities presented in the case. Discuss the relevance of
Karma Bakers' mission and product offerings in the context of the east coast market.
Task 2: Market Research and Analysis
Conduct comprehensive market research to identify potential areas on the east coast with a
demand for gluten-free and vegan bakery products. Analyze demographic trends, consumer
preferences, and existing competition. Based on your analysis, highlight regions with the highest
potential for success.
Task 3: Challenges and Solutions
Identify potential challenges that Karma Bakers might face during their east coast expansion.
These challenges could include logistical issues, competition, regulatory requirements, and
customer preferences. Propose practical solutions to overcome each challenge, considering
both short-term and long-term strategies.
Task 4: Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Explore logistical solutions for establishing a successful regional presence on the east coast.
Discuss considerations such as transportation, distribution, inventory management, and
regional production facilities. Evaluate the benefits of regional production facilities and their
alignment with Karma Bakers' goals.
Task 5: Expansion Recommendations
Based on your analysis, provide a set of well-structured recommendations for Karma Bakers'
east coast expansion strategy. Your recommendations should cover target regions, marketing
strategies, supply chain enhancements, and steps to ensure a smooth transition.
Task 6: Team Presentation
Prepare a team presentation summarizing your analysis and recommendations. Each team
member should actively contribute to the presentation. Focus on clarity, organization, and
effective communication of key points.
Grading Criteria:
Your assignment will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
Depth and accuracy of case analysis.
Thoroughness of market research and analysis.
Creativity and viability of proposed solutions.
Logical and practical recommendations for expansion.
Quality and effectiveness of the team presentation.
Additional Resources:
Marketing analysis
https://www.score.org/twincities/resource/template/marketing-plan-template
Pricing strategy
https://www.upwork.com/resources/pricing-strategy
References:
Grand View Research. (2021). Gluten-Free Products Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis
Report.
Grand View Research. (2021). Vegan Food Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report.
,
Karma Bakers
Expanding to the East Coast
Logistics & Supply Chain Management (Harsh)
Explore logistical solutions for establishing a successful regional presence on the east coast. Discuss considerations such as transportation, distribution, inventory management, and regional production facilities. Evaluate the benefits of regional production facilities and their alignment with Karma Bakers' goals.
References