SFBL
SFBL
SFBL
1.Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 2
1.1 Background of the study: ...................................................................................................... 4
1.2 Objective of this report ......................................................................................................... 4
1.3 Methodology ......................................................................................................................... 5
1.4 Limitation .............................................................................................................................. 5
1.5 Contribution of the study: ..................................................................................................... 6
2. SWOT Analysis of square food & beverage (SFBL) ..................................................................... 7
2.1 WHAT IS SWOT ...................................................................................................................... 7
2.2 External Analysis of SFBLs ..................................................................................................... 8
2.2.1 HOW STRONG ARE THE THE INDUSTRY’S COMPETITIVE FORCES? ............................ 8
2.2.2 WHAT ARE THE DRIVING FORCES IN THE INDUSTRY, AND WHAT IMPACT WILL
THEY HAVE ON COMPETITIVE INTENSITY AND INDUSTRY PROFITABILITY? – THE
DRIVING FORCES ................................................................................................................ 11
2.2.3 WHAT MARKET POSITIONS OF INDUSTRY RIVALS OCCUPY – WHO IS STRONGLY
POSITIONED AND WHO IS NOT? – COMPETITOR ANALYSIS .............................................. 12
2.2.4 WHAT STRATEGIC MOVES ARE RIVALS LIKELY TO MAKE NEXT? .............................. 12
2.2.5 WHAT ARE THE INDUSTRY KEY SUCCESS FACTORS? ................................................ 13
2.2.6 IS THE INDUSTRY OUTLOOK CONDUCIVE TO GOOD PROFITABILITY? ...................... 15
2.3 EVALUATING A COMPANY’S RESOURCES, CAPABILITIES & COMPETITIVENESS
(INTERNAL ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS) ................................................................................ 15
2.3.1 HOW WELL IS THE COMPANY’S PRESENT STRATEGY WORKING? ........................... 15
2.3.2 WHAT ARE SQUARE LTD.’S COMPETITIVELY IMPORTANT RESOURCES AND
CAPABILITIES? WILL THEY GIVE THE COMPANY A LASTING COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE
OVER RIVAL? ...................................................................................................................... 16
2.3.3 WHAT ARE THE CO’S STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES IN RELATION TO THE
MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND EXTERNAL THREATS? ....................................................... 17
SWOT Analysis............................................................................................................. 17
2.3.4 HOW DO SFBL’S VALUE CHAIN ACTIVITIES IMPACT ITS COST STRUCTURE &
CUSTOMER VALUE PROPOSITION? ................................................................................... 19
2.3.5 IS THE CO COMPETITIVELY STRONGER OR WEAKER THAN KEY RIVALS? ................. 20
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2.3.6 WHAT STRATEGIC ISSUES & PROBLEMS MERIT FRONT-BURNER MANAGERIAL
ATTENTION? ...................................................................................................................... 20
3. CONCLUSION ............................................................................................................................. 21
REFERENCES .................................................................................................................................. 22
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1. INTRODUCTION
In this rising economic era of our beloved motherland, the lifestyle of its residents are
has been one of the top performers in Asia over the past decade, averaging annual
There are now so many consumer brands to meet the need of food & beverages of
Bangladesh people. Square Food & Beverage Limited shortly SFBL is certainly &
successfully one of them. SFBL is a sister concern of Square Group, is one of the
largest conglomerates Square Group which has developed intensely diverse national
Square Food & Beverage Limited has four different brands to serve the best quality
food & bverages in the market namely SFBL, Ruchi, Chashi and Chopstick. SFBL is
the prime brand of the company. The product range of SFBL is enriched with basic
spices, ready mixes, cereals & pulses based products and edible oil. On the other
hand, Ruchi is providing ready-to-eat snacks like Chanachur, Fried Dal, Potato
Crackers, Muri, Jhalmuri, Sauce, Ketchup, Jhuribhaja, Chutney and Pickles. Chashi
is the landmark of those products which are collected directly from the farmers
having the indigenous essence and freshness. Last bt not the least, Chopstick,
which is a tasty, nutritious and quality instant noodles in the market. Chopstick
as the only tasting salt free noodles in the category which is specially developed
with the health concern of children. Within a short period of time, it has been able
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to create a durable position in the market through its quality products and
In this report, I will be doing the global strategy, factors that are driving industry
change, industry rivals positioned in the market, industry’s Key Success Factor,
Strategies are especially important because they are tools for active, self-directed
required for progression. Analyze the external and internal factors of the companies
to find out the strength, weakness, opportunities and threats. Later, we do the Vrin
test and identify Strategic changes that can be made (Savaşan, 2014).The ultimate
objective of the study is to gain real life exposure in Food & beverages sector and to
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get a clear idea about strategic management and positioning strategy as well
1.3 METHODOLOGY
I have focused more on the secondary research strategies for doing this term
project. I have talked with the consumers I know from my friends & family to know
about Square Food & Beverage Limited’s perception. Also I have contacted with a
executive of Square Food & Beverage Limited to know about the brief of company’s
strategy. For in depth data, we collected our data from secondary sources such as
1.4 LIMITATION
Firstly, the respondents I have done interview & discussion was only male & age
from 30-35. So it’s a limitation for my project. Moreover, most of the renowned
they want to keep their information secrete and Square also wants the same. Most of
the time, I was facing some problem of data availability. In this case, it’s a bit difficult
company, I got some information that was enough to make my report relevant.
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1.5 CONTRIBUTION OF THE STUDY:
Doing the project on such a promising & successfully established company was
certainly a matter of memorable things for me. I have learn how to measure
competitor analysis, strategic group mapping and the strategic moves that have
huge impact for taking right decision about competitors and overall sustainability of
the organization. By applying the five forces model we learn how the bargaining
power of suppliers and customers impact the organization. I also learn how threat of
substitute product, new entrance and intensity of rivalry affects the business
organization to handle these problems. I also learn how to measure the SWOT
analysis and impact of value chain activities on cost structure and customer value
proposition, competitive strength analysis and the issues and problem that managers
should take account when making strategy for the next years. I have also learn the
foods and beverage industry driving forces that have impact on the overall success
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2. SWOT ANALYSIS OF SQUARE FOOD & BEVERAGE (SFBL)
SWOT, a word which literally means a lot. It’s a vital tools for the analysis of strategic
decision. SWOT stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. It’s an
develop strategic planning. SWOT analysis assesses internal and external factors,
analysis focuses on the four elements of the acronym, allowing companies to identify
the forces influencing a strategy, action or initiative. Knowing these positive and
negative elements can help companies more effectively communicate what parts of
a plan need to be recognized. Strengths (S) and weaknesses (W) refer to internal
factors, which are the resources and experience readily available to you.to the
company. External forces influence and affect every company, organization and
opportunity (O) or threat (T), it is important to note and document each one
(Schooley, 2019).
In our report, we have designed the external & internal analysis to develop the
SOWT for Square Food & Beverage Limited. For external analysis, we have gone
through the factors outside SFBl & for internal analysis, we have gone through the
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2.2 EXTERNAL ANALYSIS (INDUSTRY AND COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS)
OF SFBL
Square Foods and Beverage has achieved number of notes worthy feats since when
it began its journey. They are not only catering to domestic needs, but also exporting
to over 30 countries. Spices exports were close to USD 30 million in fiscal 2016-17.
Foods and beverage industry of Bangladesh is the fifth highest contributor to the
national exchequer. There has been an upward trend in the domestic market for their
By guaranteeing taste, quality, appealing bundling and great scope all through the
nation Square Foods and Beverage has been getting a wonderful reaction from
market. A year after its operation Square Foods and Beverage accomplished the
crown of the pioneer. Items running from Basic flavors, mixed flavors, Cereal and
Pulses to Edible oil are right now accessible under the name of SFBL. Specialized
(GMP) and grinding technology have given SFBL strong competitive edge in the
industry. SFBL remains for virtue. Subsequently it took as a social duty to make
Square Food and Beverage Ltd does not have to bargain that much about the
prices of raw material. There are some listed suppliers for providing SFBL raw
materials like raw chili, turmeric, coriander, red and yellow mustard seeds.
Square Food and Beverage has been always loyal towards their supplier
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regarding financial issue and suppliers are also providing them the best
quality raw material which is an assurance of the purity of SFBL Brands. For
all these reason, the power of supplier is low and it gives a huge support to
The competitive pricing of product is also giving chance of lot of option to the
consumer. Then again number of loyal customer is much high for particular
brand. Consumers have option for buying other brands or local pure spices.
As a result, they bargain with the shopkeepers while buying this product.
Consumers are concern about the price of the product rather than quality.
Besides, there are also regional local mustard oil products in the market which
are offering in a lower price than branded oil. Regional local spices companies
are trying to grab the market by offering lower price rate and convince the
consumers that their products are pure mustard oil. That is why the bargaining
The risk of entry in the spices market is very high because of the availability of
the raw material in the local market. Someone can easily enter into this
business if they could manage packets for the product and raw material are
available in the local market. For all these reason, there are many regional
complete with the regional players since the price of these regional
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competitors are lower than branded mustard oil. Square Food and Beverage
Consumers wouldn’t get any alternative product to have the same taste. As a
result, the threat of substitute product is low. Square Food and Beverage ltd is
If I see competitor’s product, I would find any promising product in the market.
For all these reason, the threat of rivalry product is moderate. Also,
competitors are not able to give relevant consumer promotion to the customer
and that‘s one of the another reason customers are not loyal to any specific
brand. On the other hand, Square food and beverage is pricing their product a
bit high rather than other product and consumers may switch to other brands
because of the price. Consumers are concern about the price when they buy
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any product. It’s one the treat from the rivalry that SFBL is facing. But, their
attractive consumer promotion will help them to keep continues growth of the
moderate. The positioning of this product is purity and SFBLs is able to keep
the brand promise. The product attributes and Brand promise are helping the
2.2.2 WHAT ARE THE DRIVING FORCES IN THE INDUSTRY, AND WHAT IMPACT
WILL THEY HAVE ON COMPETITIVE INTENSITY AND INDUSTRY PROFITABILITY? –
THE DRIVING FORCES
Square has invested in quality, lab equipment and human resources to raise the
standard to international level. Bangladesh will soon become a major global hub for
high quality and low-cost generic spices. Bangladesh's spices industries aim to
countries. It is urban city which is geographically selected because SFBLs are little
bit expensive and quality is high. And women who works has little time left for
cooking so they prefers easy go process to cook. And also it helps to get rid of
It is predicted that Bangladesh will become higher Middle Income Group and
Higher Income Group by 2021 and 2041 respectively. As GDP growth is higher than
population growth, per capita income is likely to rise. This will lead to higher health
care expenditure by both individual and government. This is a positive factor for
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2.2.3 WHAT MARKET POSITIONS OF INDUSTRY RIVALS OCCUPY – WHO IS
STRONGLY POSITIONED AND WHO IS NOT? – COMPETITOR ANALYSIS
and marketing of foods. SFBL contributed 0.40% of total turnover in the sector at the
premier bourse last month. BD Foods Limited is engaged in the manufacture and
marketing, it contributed 0.08% of total turnover in the sector at DSE in last month.
Active Fine Chemicals contributed 2.51% of total turnover. There are also
Local firms are aiming to expand globally by producing product that meets
capability. By increasing the product portfolio they are trying to maintain their market
position.
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The Rival Firm’s Current Strategy:
Food & Beverages Industry is one of those sector where Technology, positioning
and R&D dominates. Firms like Pran, BD Foods, Ahmed invests heavily in R&D and
introducing sophisticated technology every now and then for drugs production.
Because it will ensure high quality spices production along with reduced price benefit
in the future. Firms are also investing heavily in marketing activities and sales
development work. It will help them to gain competitive advantage. They are
share. Rivals firms’ assumption is that, this industry is growing and firms have to
KSFs are the factors within the industry environment that influences a firm’s ability to
for competitive success by any and all firms in an industry. Vary from industry to
industry, and over time within the same industry, and in importance as drivers of
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SFBL is maintaining is leadership position in such a competitive market successfully
analysis, design and development of new products. To ensure the best quality,
SQUARE started its State of the Art Unit. The infrastructure (civil works & utilities) of
quality Manufacturing Facility has been established. The equipment are highly
technology based and fully automated system. The manufacturing process line is
compatible both for Aseptic filling and terminally sterilized products. Manufacturing
and packaging operations are carried out according to the validated methods
operations.
All the skilled and professional personnel are set at their very appropriate
graduate and post-graduate people are involved in the timely and smooth promotion
of our products for the benefits of our doctors, people as well as the whole nation.
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manufacturing and packaging area, as well as comply with the requirements.
Storing of raw and packaging materials meet the requirements of production and
also storing and dispatch of finished products as per concept of Good Storage
Practice of spices. SFBL began its operation with a handful of highly skilled and
Bangladesh's foods and beverage spices sector will grow 5 percent year-on-year to
they seek to grab a bigger share of the global market, according to Star Business
Report. By Year 2022, the market size will be more than doubled to $0.98. billion.
Bangladesh's spicesl industries aim to capture 5 percent of the global generic market
fetched $23.46 million in the last fiscal year, up 2.03 percent year-on-year. n the first
quarter of 2018, the market size of spicesl products in Bangladesh was $0.35 billion
is company’s competitive approach. It means what moves has the co made recently
SFBL has been exporting chili, turmeric, coriander, cumin, and various seasoning
powder to 30 countries. This extension in business and services has manifested the
credibility of Square Foods and beverage Limited. Square has strong distribution
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channel, strong marketing department and inventory systems all over the country. It
helps to maintain inventory properly and make sure their products are widely
available all over the country. Square has a wide access to import its products to
giant India, China, Germany and USA market. Thus make them able to produce
more quality products with trusted suppliers. They are also exporting products at
Main tangible asset of Square Company are its facilities and technological set up. It
has two formulation unit. The Dhaka Unit is about 50 km away in the north of the
capital city. At present thousands of employees are working. All the skilled and
maintaining the position of Industry leader since its inception and gaining
international recognition for its premium quality product that follows international
standard.
over the competitors. SFBL is valuable in terms of their products, quality, price,
SFBL products are available in to the market as they have many competitors like:
Acme, Pran, BD Foods Ltd. Their products are not so costly. Competitors are selling
similar kind of products in the market. But they have few products that involves huge
investment in R&D that makes it hard to imitate. SFBL has some substitutable
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2.3.3 WHAT ARE THE CO’S STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES IN RELATION
TO THE MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND EXTERNAL THREATS?
The BASIS for crafting a strategy that capitalizes on the company’s Strength,
channel.
standards.
production.
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IDENTIFYING STRATEGIC WEAKNESS OF SFBL
In the Packaging, SFBL does not have much to differentiate from the other
brands.
Even though Square Foods and Beverage limited holds the top position in
market share, they lack customer feedback which can be crucial in improving
Increasing the distribution of the product is the best way and only way that
consumer companies can sell higher numbers. Production and shelf life is a
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IDENTIFYING STRATEGIC THREATS OF SFBL
to product patent.
Potential competitors can come from the current suppliers or the supply chain
There can be more foreign company invest in Bangladesh and saturate the
Impact of value chain activities on cost structure and customer value proposition:
SFBL has a large distribution network that covers the whole country and ensures
major cities across Bangladesh. Products are supplied on a daily basis to all the
major cities and towns of the country. Remote areas are also supplied rhythmically to
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retail shops around the country. Cold chain system is employed to products which
SFBL has always been a pioneer in adopting innovative technologies. This brings
both sophistication and the potential to sustain growth to our business. There are
many regional local competitors in the market. SFBL has to face many challenges to
complete with the regional players since the price of these regional competitors are
lower than branded mustard oil. Over the past couple of years Square have made
been a series of positive developments in the year under review. In recent years they
have developed drugs that were not previously available in local market. This is
achieving targeted exports into the regulated European markets. SFBL developed
present, SFBL offers different types of products. Square can diversify itself by
developing new product to ensure both the sustainable growth of its business and a
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3. CONCLUSION
Certainly SQUARE Food & Beverage (SFBL) is the leading company in the Food &
beverage industry in the rising economic zone Bangladesh. The competitive forces
of SFBL Spices of Square Foods and beverageLtd are strong along with the driving
forces. The rival companies in its strategic group are also plying nearby and can
easily overtake its market position if they are not concerned with the factors required
manufacturing, distribution and skills is their key strength for survival. These industry
is a competitive industry with fast growth. SFBL has a variety of product as well as
good product distribution. To overcome the upcoming challenges and to adapt with
the current competitive market, they need to invest more in the R & D Department
So What SFBL should do in the context of my findings? SFBL should focus more on
the value based pricing instead of focusing on the competitive and cost based
pricing. SFBL should consider hiring more qualified people to distribute the work
evenly so that number of mistakes can be reduced and the verifying time of a
transaction can be quicker. I hope if they can implement the strategic analysis of this
report, they will not only be able to sustain their current strategic success in the long
run but also enlighten the face of Bangladesh both locally & globally indeed.
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REFERENCES
Schooley, S. (2019). SWOT Analysis: What It Is and When to Use It. [online]
Business News Daily. Available at: https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/4245-swot-
analysis.html [Accessed 25 Aug. 2019].
Sfbl.com.bd. (n.d.). Square Food & Beverage Limited (SFBL) - Company Profile.
[online] Available at: https://www.sfbl.com.bd/about_scpl.php [Accessed 25 Aug.
2019].
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