Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Stuffn Mallows
A Collaborative Consulting Group Analysis
RyanCronauer,AmandaBorges,AmyHammondsandTheodoreMcEachron
CollaborativeConsultingGroup
1000MainStreet
BethlehemPA,18051
www.CollaborativeConsultingGroup.com
Phone:(610)1111111
Fax:(610)1111112
Email:collaborativeconsulting@ccg.com
Executive Summary
StuffnMallowsbeganinthesummerof2013.ThreefriendsfromColoradoStateUniversitysetoutwiththemissiontocreatetheperfect
smore.Thierdecisionforwhatmakestheperfectsmoreisapreciseratioofchocolateandmarshmallowcombined.Thethreediscoveredwhatthe
exactrationeededtobeandcreatedtheStuffnMallowsCompany.StuffnMallowsisseekingnewopportunitiesthatwillenabletheexpansionof
theiruniqueproduct.
Wehavecompletedananalysisofnotonlytheircompany,butalsothehighendconfectionsindustry.Bydoingthiswehavecollaboratedand
institutedstrategiesthatwillincreaseproductknowledge,productuse,andproductexpansion.Wehaveaddressedthefollowingareasofconcern:
Companysituationanalysis,includingbothacompanyandindustrySWOTanalysis,objectivesfortheStuffnMallowsbrandandstrategiesthrough
whichtheobjectiveswillbereached.
StuffnMallowshasalotofpotentialgrowth.Withtheimplementationsofourrecommendations,StuffnMallowswillbeabletoengagenew
customersbases,enhancetheironlineandsocialmediapresence,seekoutinnovativebusinesspartnershipsandexpandtonewlocationswithin
theUnitedStates.Whileweunderstandthatsomeareasofgrowthwilltakelongerthanothers,wehavecreatedastrategicplanthatallowsStuffn
Mallowstoberesourcefulwhilegrowingtheirbusiness.Overallwewouldprojectapproximatelyatwoyearcompletionplan.
CollaborativeConsultingGroup
1000MainStreet
BethlehemPA,18051
www.CollaborativeConsultingGroup.com
Phone:(610)1111111
Fax:(610)1111112
Email:collaborativeconsulting@ccg.com
Table of Contents
I.ExecutiveSummary..2
Highlights
Objectives
KeystoSuccess
II.Introduction..4
CompanyOwnership/LegalEntity
Location
ProductsandServices
III.SituationAnalysis..5
DescriptionofBusiness...5
IndustrySWOT.....5
CompanySWOT...6
IV.Objectives......7
Objective1
Objective2
Objective3
Objective4
Objective5
Objective6
V.
Strategy.8
Recommendation1..8
Recommendation2..9
Recommendation3..10
Recommendation4..11
Recommendation5..12
Recommendation5..13
VI.
Conclusion14
CalltoAction
Thanks
VII.
References...15
CollaborativeConsultingGroup
1000MainStreet
BethlehemPA,18051
www.CollaborativeConsultingGroup.com
Phone:(610)1111111
Fax:(610)1111112
Email:collaborativeconsulting@ccg.com
Introduction
StuffnMallowsisagourmetmarshmallowcompanythathasalotofforeseenpotential.Theirproduct,amarshmallowinfusedwiththe
preciseamountofchocolatechipstocreatetheperfectsmoreoravarietytastytreats,isinnovativeandexcitingforthemarket.
StuffnMallowswasfirstintroducedinthesummerof2013.ThreefriendsfromColoradoStateUniversitysetoutwiththemissiontocreate
theperfectsmore.Thierdecisionforwhatmakestheperfectsmoreisapreciseratioofchocolateandmarshmallowcombined.Thethree
discoveredwhattheexactrationeededtobeandcreatedtheStuffnMallowsCompany.HeadquarteredinFortCollins,Colorado,StuffnMallows
isseekingnewopportunitiesthatwillenabletheexpansionoftheiruniqueproduct.
SofarStuffnMallowshasbroughtnothingshortfromcreativity,andinnovativenesstotheirproduct.Nowofferingavarietyofflavor
infusionincludingmintchocolatechip,peanutbutterchip,andaseasonalpeppermint,theyareaimingtocapitalizeontheirpotential.Like
anyyoungcompany,theyareinthegrowthanddevelopmentphase.Whiletheyknowwhatthegoaloftheirproductis,theyneedalittle
sparkintheirmarketingstrategies.
StuffnMallowshasappointeduswiththetaskofhelpingthemtogrowtheirbusiness.Currentlytheproductissoldinover80retailers
andisalsoofferedonline.Thereareavarietyofwaysthemallowsaresoldincludingbagsofeightmallowsat$7.99,andcasesoftwelve
bagsofthemallowsat$72.00.Inadditiontotheseoptions,StuffnMallowsalsooffersafewgiftsetsandamallowbirthdaykit.
StuffnMallowswouldliketoexpandtheirretailpresenceandalsogetthemallowsacrossmorestates.Throughthispresentationwehave
createdsixexpectedoutcomesandthestrategiesthroughwhichthesewillbeachievable.
CollaborativeConsultingGroup
1000MainStreet
BethlehemPA,18051
www.CollaborativeConsultingGroup.com
Phone:(610)1111111
Fax:(610)1111112
Email:collaborativeconsulting@ccg.com
Situational Analysis
Company
Description
Stuffn Mallows was founded in the Summer of 2013 by James Schrack, Paul Jenkins, and Tyler Krenzelok, three graduates of Colorado State
University. Amazingly, these successful CSU students did not even know each other before meeting in one of their classes. The creation of the company
was sparked by one question. This simple question, inspired out of frustration from cold chocolate in a warm smore, was want to put chocolate inside
marshmallows? This idea fueled the students mission of creating the perfect smore and ultimately led to the creation of Stuffn Mallows. The
company was founded with the support of Colorado State University and the founders local community, friends and family. Stuffn Mallows now
operates as a wholesaler and is based out of Fort Collins, Colorado.
Industry SWOT
Strengths
Weaknesses
Theconfectionindustryasawholeisonanupwardtrend(Bloom
Attractingcustomersages55andoverisanongoingdifficultyin
2012)
theindustry(Bloom2012)
Candyisconsideredbymanyhealthconsciouspeopletobe
Theconfectioneryindustrydoesnthavemanylimitationsasto
unhealthyandisavoided
whoitcanmarketto,becausealmosteveryoneeatssomesortof
candyonoccasion
Gourmetcandyisconsideredanaffordableluxury(Ahmad,2014)
Opportunities
Threats
IftheU.S.marketcontinuesonanupwardtrend,more
Unforeseeneconomicdownturncouldresultinalackofpropensity
discretionaryspendingcouldresultinhighersalesofpremium
toconsumepremiumconfectionsandsubstitutethemwithinferior
confectionsvs.inferiorproducts
goods
IncreasinghealthconcernsintheUnitedStateshaverecentlylead
Thepriceofsugarperpoundisexpectedtodecrease.3%by2019
toproposalsfortaxestobeplacedonunhealthyingredientsand
whichthesecouldresultinhigherprofitmargins(IBISWorld)
products.Shouldtheproposalscometolaw,theycould
Thereispotentialforgrowthintheindustryduetopopulation
significantlyaffecttheindustry
growth
Risingcommoditycostshavealotofpotentialtocauseproblems
ThemarketisgrowingrapidlyincountriesoutsidetheUnited
fortheconfectioneryindustry
States.AlthoughtheU.S.has,byfar,thelargestMarket,Indiais
currentlythefastestgrowingconfectionsmarketglobally
CollaborativeConsultingGroup
1000MainStreet
BethlehemPA,18051
www.CollaborativeConsultingGroup.com
Phone:(610)1111111
Fax:(610)1111112
Email:collaborativeconsulting@ccg.com
Company SWOT
Strengths
Weaknesses
Uniqueproductwithroomforgrowthandinnovation
Lackofvarietyinflavorsandpackagingsizes
Currentlyhaveanonlinepresence(makingthemaglobalcompany)
Lackofexperience
Theirproductisalreadyavailableinover80stores
Productionprocessisentirelyinternalwhichslowstheproduction
Theirproductisextremelyhighqualityandhasgreattaste
process
Theirproductcanalsobeusedinvariousdessertsandbeverages
Limitedresources
makingitmultifunctional
Opportunities
Thereisnocompanywithadominantmarketshareindirect
competitionwithStuffnMallowsproduct
Growmarketshare
Partnershipswithrestaurantsandbakeriestosellwholesaleto
Outsourcingofproductionprocesstoreduceconstantkitchen
upgradesexpense
Threats
Theproductisnotpatented.Alargercompanycouldproducea
similarproductandusepredatorypricingtoputStuffnMallowsout
ofbusiness
PlushPuffsandMadysonsChipFluffsprovideaverysimilar
productwithalotmorevariety
Thehighendconfectionsindustryisaverycompetitivemarket
CollaborativeConsultingGroup
1000MainStreet
BethlehemPA,18051
www.CollaborativeConsultingGroup.com
Phone:(610)1111111
Fax:(610)1111112
Email:collaborativeconsulting@ccg.com
Objectives
Objective 1
Objective 2
Objective 3
Objective 4
Objective 5
Objective 6
Expansionandimmersionintotargetmarket
Improvedmobiledeviceavailability
ImprovedPresenceofSocialMedia
Desirablepricepointsandpackagingoptions
Partnershipswithrestaurantsandbakeries
Increaseproductionefficiencies
CollaborativeConsultingGroup
1000MainStreet
BethlehemPA,18051
www.CollaborativeConsultingGroup.com
Phone:(610)1111111
Fax:(610)1111112
Email:collaborativeconsulting@ccg.com
Strategy
Recommendation 1 - Modification of Distribution Network
Stuffn Mallows currently operates using a retailer channel and wholesale to about 80 retailers. We believe that it is time for them to expand
more into their target market where they could promote a better image for their product as well as increase their volume of sales. We recommend
that Stuffn Mallows go after the following retailers using their current strategy of cold calling, knocking on doors, speaking with managers and
owners, and emphasizing their story and the quality of their products by getting them to sample the product (Schrack, e-mail interview, Nov 18,
2014).
Retailer
Reasoning
Central Market
Central Market is a chain with 9 stores throughout Texas and is in Stuffn Mallows primary target market
of high end food markets. Texas is not far (relatively speaking) from the Stuffn Mallows HQ so
distributing to the area would not be a difficult process. Additionally, Texas is a market that Stuffn
Mallows has not yet expanded into and Central Market would allow this.
Bristol Farms
Bristol Farms, your extraordinary food store is a California chain of high end food markets with 13
stores stretching from northern to southern california. Many of the locations are in the Los Angeles area,
an area unexposed to Stuffn Mallows delicious confections.
Dorothy Lane
Dorothy Lane, an Ohio based high end food market with 3 stores; Ohio is an area that has a few (but not
many) retailers of Stuffn Mallows products. All of their stores containing sections devoted specifically
to unique products containing high end coffees, hot chocolates and chocolates.
The Fresh Market has 145 stores in 27 states and is also a high end food market. They aim for an inviting
atmosphere and an experience unlike any other by providing hard-to-find, gourmet groceries
(http://www.thefreshmarket.com, 2013).Not only do they have a candy department that contains
confections and chocolates, but they also have a section specifically for gift baskets which would be
perfect for Stuff'n Mallows' already produced gift baskets.
Dicks Sporting Goods has over 500 stores in more than 40 states. Dicks has a fantastic outdoors
department where the product would fit in fantastically and, we believe, sell very well. While Dicks
does not fall directly into Stuffn Mallows target markets, they embody high quality. They only sell the
premier brands in sporting goods and sell their goods at full retail prices in most situations.
CollaborativeConsultingGroup
1000MainStreet
BethlehemPA,18051
www.CollaborativeConsultingGroup.com
Phone:(610)1111111
Fax:(610)1111112
Email:collaborativeconsulting@ccg.com
Current Strategy
Stuffn Mallows
Product
Current Strategy
Recommended
What stands out more than anything is the quantity difference between their package and that of their competition. As this product
is geared largely towards entertaining (around a campfire for example) quantity will be important for the consumer. The target markets
demand is fairly inelastic and we believe a slight increase in price will not push away consumers.
Implementing these changes would give Stuffn Mallows a better chance of not losing out to competition who emphasize a larger
quantity. While the difference between the products is apparent in terms of size per marshmallow, customers often may not delve into the
logistics and just purchase the product that has more in the bag, especially if it is for entertainment purposes. These changeswouldgive
StuffnMallowsproductmoreagreaterperceivedvalueandultimatelycauseittobemoredesirabletocustomersbothseekingtoentertainor
toenjoybythemselves.
Wesuggestasamplesizedbagbeofferedbecausepotentialcustomersdontknowexactlywhattoexpectwhentheybuyabagof
StuffnMallowsforthefirsttime.Becauseofthis,theirproductisaratherexpensivemysterypurchaseoptionat$8.Asamplebagwillgive
consumersanoptiontofindouthowgreattheproductis.
CollaborativeConsultingGroup
1000MainStreet
BethlehemPA,18051
www.CollaborativeConsultingGroup.com
Phone:(610)1111111
Fax:(610)1111112
Email:collaborativeconsulting@ccg.com
10
Recommendation 3
StuffnMallowshasawebsitewhichallowspeopletobuytheirproductsonline.Whilethisisaveryconvenientwayforpeopletobuytheirproducts,
wealsowantedtooffertheideaofStuffnMallowscreatingtheirownapplicationthatcouldbeusedonsmartphonesandtablets.Themobileapplication
marketisconstantlygrowingbecauseitismuchmoreconvenienttodothingsonasmartphoneortablet,thanitistohavetogetonacomputerorlaptop.
WithanAppthatsavesthecustomerslogin,shippingaddress,andcardinformation,consistentshopperscanorderStuffnMallowswheneverand
wherevertheywant.AppsarealsoagreatwaytoincorporatethesigninwithFacebookfeature.Thisfeatureallowsyoutoautomaticallylinkyourappto
thatpersonsFacebookaccountandsharetheiractivitywithalltheirfriends.InordertodrivemoretraffictowardsStuffnMallowssocialmediawebsites,
FortCollinsSpecialtyFoodscanalsoputQRcodesontheirpackages.Thiswaypeoplecanjustscanitwithasmartphoneanditwillgorighttothe
respectivesocialmediawebpage.
Nowadays,peopledonotneedtohaveampleamountsofknowledgetomakeanappfortheirbusiness.Asamatteroffact,peoplecanactually
makeapplicationsontheircomputerwiththehelpofwebsitesthatspecializeinmakingapplications.Onewebsitewefoundthathadverygoodreviewsby
businessnewsdaily.comwasBuildFire.Thiswebsiteofferstwooptionsofcreatinganapplication.Thefirstoptionistocreateityourselfontheirwebsiteand
thesecondoptionistohaveaBuildFireappdevelopercreatetheapplicationforyouatnocost.
WerecommendthattheapplicationbemadeavailabletotheAppleAppStoreandtotheAndroidMarkettoallowmoreavailabilitytotheirpotential
consumers.Withtheoptionofanapplicationfortheirconsumerstobeabletouse,StuffnMallowshasnotonlyopenedthedoorforapossibilityofmore
onlinesales,buthascreatedanotherwaytodrivetraffictotheirsocialmediaoutlets.Consumerscaneasilyusetheircellphonesortabletstoordertheir
marshmallows,browsenewproducts,andeasilyaccesssocialmediaoutlets,insteadofhavingtoaccesstheseoptionsontheircomputers.Wealso
recommendthatthisbesomethingthatisadvertisedonthefrontpageoftheirwebsitewhenyouopenit,sothiswillallowpeopletoknowabouttheir
applicationandhavealinktotheAppStoretodownloadit.Wehavealsoincludedapictureforanideaofwhattheapplicationwouldlooklikebelow.
CollaborativeConsultingGroup
1000MainStreet
BethlehemPA,18051
www.CollaborativeConsultingGroup.com
Phone:(610)1111111
Fax:(610)1111112
Email:collaborativeconsulting@ccg.com
11
Recommendation 4
StuffnMallowsproductisuniqueinthattheproductisversatile.Wesuggestthatinanefforttoincreasesales,StuffnMallowspartners
withbakeriesandrestaurants.Theycanprovidethesebusinesseswithawholesaleoftheproduct,thusincreasingtheirsalesandexpandingtoa
newrangeofcustomers.Inordertostartbeingusedinrestaurantswerecommendthattheyselltosmallprivatelyownedrestaurantsand
bakeriesintheirlocalarea.Bydoingthistheywillbeabletoimplementsomepersonalsellingtactics.WhileStuffnMallowsalreadyhaslarge
communitysupportthiswillenablethemtomaintainthatwhileincreasingtheirrevenueandexpandingtheirproduct.Anotheradvantageofthisis
thatthereisanincreasedpotentialfortheirproducttobeadvertisedbywordofmouthandrecommendedbythelocalrestaurantsandbakeries.
WehaveincludedsomestartingpointsofpotentialwholesaleconsumerswithintheFortCollinsColoradoarea.
Restaurant
Specialty
Address
Phone Number
LaCreperieandFrenchBakery
ofFortCollins
AuthenticFrenchCafe
Specializinginavarietyofsweet
crepes.
2722S.CollegeAve
FortCollins,CO80525
9702242640
LittleBirdBakeshop
Cakesandpastries,andspecialty 11OldTownSquare
drinks
Suite121
FortCollins,CO80524
9705688906
ButterCreamCupcakery
Cupcakes
9702251040
3663SCollegeAve
FortCollins,CO80525
CollaborativeConsultingGroup
1000MainStreet
BethlehemPA,18051
www.CollaborativeConsultingGroup.com
Phone:(610)1111111
Fax:(610)1111112
Email:collaborativeconsulting@ccg.com
12
StuffnMallowshasagoodfoundationinsocialmedia.YoucanfindthemonFacebook,Twitter,Instagram,andPinterest.Thesearethebiggest
namesinsocialmediarightnow,andtheycanallbeusedasaformsofadvertising.ThisgivesStuffnMallowstheabilitytoadvertisetobillionsofpeopleat
nocost.
Site
Followers
Comments
Recommendations
1,532Likes
Largestsocialmediapresence
Frequentupdates
Containspictures,video,andreviewpage
Activelyengagewithfollowers
Respondtonegativereviews
185Followers
184Tweets
Needsmoreconsistentpostsandvary
content
Postmorefrequently
Initializehashtagcampaigns
Contestpostparticipatetowin
190Followers
88Post
Lotsofattractivephotosofproduct
Needstobeupdatedmorefrequently
Postmorepicturesofownersinvolvementinthecompany
75Followers
270Pins
20Likes
pinsarenotrelevanttoproduct
Addpinterestprofilewidget
Sharealot
commentonpopularpins
CollaborativeConsultingGroup
1000MainStreet
BethlehemPA,18051
www.CollaborativeConsultingGroup.com
Phone:(610)1111111
Fax:(610)1111112
Email:collaborativeconsulting@ccg.com
13
CollaborativeConsultingGroup
1000MainStreet
BethlehemPA,18051
www.CollaborativeConsultingGroup.com
Phone:(610)1111111
Fax:(610)1111112
Email:collaborativeconsulting@ccg.com
14
GiventheanticipatedgrowthofStuffnMallows,werecommendanewproductionlocationissoughtout.Asthebusinessgrowsmoreproduction
spacewillbeneeded,especiallyoncewholesalesalesincrease.Therewillbeaneedtoquickentheproduction,packagingandshippingtime.Whatis
importantinthisareaisestablishingareliablesupplychainmanagerandsupplychainmanagementsystem.
Withtherightpeopleandplacesthiswillhelpthebusinessasitcontinuestogrow.Becausethisisalargersolution,werecommendthatitcomes
laterinthetwoyeartimeframe.Howeverwhilethiswillmostlikelybeputintoplacenearingthetwoyearendmark,itisvitallyimportantthatStuffnMallows
staysacutelyawareofproductionopportunities.Beingawareofwheretheymaybeabletomoveproductiontowillhelpthemmaintainsalesgoalsandalso
incorporatethiscostintotheirbusinessaccum.
Sowhilethisisnotattheforefrontofsolutionsanddoesnotneedimmediateattention,itissomethingthatneedstobetakenintoserious
consideration.Astheysecurenewretaillocationsandpartnershipsforwholesalestheywillneedtostartmovingintoalargerproductionfacility,sotheyare
notoverwhelmed.ByknowingitsimportanceStuffnMallowswillbeabletoprepareforthisandhaveitreadybeforeitisadireneed,thusenablingthemto
maintainandgrowbusiness.
CollaborativeConsultingGroup
1000MainStreet
BethlehemPA,18051
www.CollaborativeConsultingGroup.com
Phone:(610)1111111
Fax:(610)1111112
Email:collaborativeconsulting@ccg.com
15
Conclusion
Whenourteam,CollaborativeConsultingGroup,wasapproachedbyStuffnMallowsinOctoberof2014,weputtogetheramarketingplantoaidthe
companyinthegrowthoftheirbusiness.Weconductedextensiveresearchonthecompanyalongwithmultiplefieldsofmarketingoverthepasttwo
monthsandhavealsogatheredinformationnotonlythecompanybutalsotheconfectionsindustryandotherareasofopportunity.Themarketingplanthat
weputtogetherconsistedofonananalysisofthecompanyscurrentposition,ideastoexpandtheirmarketshare,improvepackagingandpricepoints,
advancetheirinternetandmobilepresence,andincreaseefficiency.WefeelconfidentthatStuffnMallowswillbecomesignificantlymoresuccessfulifthey
takeourideas,critiques,andrecommendationsintoconsideration.
WewouldliketothankStuffnMallowsforapproachingusandgivingusthisopportunitytoofferrecommendationsandcritiquestotheircompany.
Wehopethatyoutakeourideasandrecommendationsintoconsiderationandthatthismarketingplanwillbebeneficialtoyourcompanyssuccess.Ithas
beenapleasureworkingonthisstrategyforStuffnMallows,andwelookforwardtoseeingthebusinessgrow.
CollaborativeConsultingGroup
1000MainStreet
BethlehemPA,18051
www.CollaborativeConsultingGroup.com
Phone:(610)1111111
Fax:(610)1111112
Email:collaborativeconsulting@ccg.com
16
References
Ahmad,Amal.(2014).IBISWorldIndustryReportC1113GLGlobalCandyandChocolate
Manufacturing.RetrievedfromIBISWorld.
Angeles,Sara."14BestAppMakersof2014."BusinessNewsDaily.com.N.p.,18Sept.2014.
Web.13Dec.2014.
Bloom,Beth.(2012).NonchocolateConfectioneryUSDecember2012.RetrievedfromMintel
Academicdatabase.
ButterCreamCupcakery.(2014).AboutUsRetrievedfromhttp://buttercreamcupcakery.com/?page_id=20
DicksSportingGoods.(2014).AboutDicksSportingGoods2014.Retrievedfrom
http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/corp/index.jsp?page=aboutUs&ab=Footer_Column1_
boutUs
LaCreperieandFrenchBakeryofFortCollins.(2014).AboutUs.Retrievedfromhttp://www.fortcollinscreperiebakery.com/us/
Lamb,C.W.,Hair,J.F.,McDaniel,C.(2014).MKTG7.Mason,OH:SouthWestern.
LittleBirdBakeshop.(2014).Retrievedfrom:http://www.thelittlebirdbakeshop.com
Schrack,J.,CoFounder,StuffnMallows,emailinterview,November18,2014.
Stuff'nMallows.(n.d.).RetrievedDecember14,2014,fromhttps://www.facebook.com/stuffnmallows
StuffnmallowsonInstagram.(n.d.).RetrievedDecember14,2014,fromhttp://instagram.com/stuffnmallows
Stuff'nMallows(stuffnmallows).(n.d.).RetrievedDecember14,2014,fromhttps://www.pinterest.com/stuffnmallows/
StuffnMallows(@StuffNMallows)(n.d.).RetrievedDecember14,2014,fromhttps://twitter.com/stuffnmallows
CollaborativeConsultingGroup
1000MainStreet
BethlehemPA,18051
www.CollaborativeConsultingGroup.com
Phone:(610)1111111
Fax:(610)1111112
Email:collaborativeconsulting@ccg.com
17
StuffnMallows.(2014).StuffnMallowsFortCollinsSpecialtyFoods.Retrievedfrom:http://www.stuffnmallows.com
TheFreshMarket.(2013).AboutUs.Retrievedfromhttp://www.thefreshmarket.com/about/
Visual.ly.(2013).HowManyPeopleUseFacebook2013.Retrievedfrom
http://visual.ly/howmanypeopleusefacebook2013update3october201
CollaborativeConsultingGroup
1000MainStreet
BethlehemPA,18051
www.CollaborativeConsultingGroup.com
Phone:(610)1111111
Fax:(610)1111112
Email:collaborativeconsulting@ccg.com