Jack Carlson started the Sugar Daddy Chocolate Company five years ago and is now selling about $1 million annually. Carlson would like to expand sales, but the U.S. market is very competitive. He has a friend with a small business who is now making 20 percent of his sales overseas. He wonders if any chocolates are exported.
To find out, he calls a friend of his who is a professor of international business at the university and tells him that he wants to find out if chocolate is being exported. He asks the professor to research the following questions: i) Is chocolate being exported? ii) Which are the six largest chocolate importing nations? iii) Which of these are growing markets? iv) Carlson’s export competition probably come from which countries and why?
No one here will do your thinking and writing. However, if you write up YOUR responses, someone here may be able to critique your work for you.
1. yes, it is
2. 6 largest importing chocolate nations are United States: US, Germany, France, United Kingdom, Netherlands, and Canada.
3.
To answer Jack Carlson's questions, his friend, the professor of international business, can conduct research using various sources of information. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to find the answers to each question:
i) To determine if chocolate is being exported, the professor can start by looking at official trade statistics and reports. These can be found on government websites such as the United States International Trade Commission (USITC) or the Department of Commerce. The professor can search for specific categories related to chocolate, such as "Cocoa and Cocoa Preparations" or "Chocolate and Other Food Preparations containing Cocoa."
ii) To identify the six largest chocolate importing nations, the professor can refer to international trade databases like the United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics Database (UN Comtrade) or the World Trade Organization's (WTO) International Trade Statistics. These databases provide detailed information on global trade flows, including imports and exports of different commodities. The professor can examine the imports of chocolate-related products in different countries and identify the top importers.
iii) To determine which of these countries are growing markets for chocolate, the professor can analyze the import trends over the years. By comparing the import volumes of chocolate-related products in different countries for consecutive years, the professor can identify countries experiencing significant growth in chocolate consumption. Reports and market research publications from organizations like Euromonitor International or Mintel can also provide insights into the chocolate market and its growth potential in various regions.
iv) To identify Carlson's potential export competition and the countries from which they originate, the professor can study reports and research on the global chocolate industry. Trade organizations like the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO), National Confectioners Association (NCA), or industry publications like Candy Industry Magazine can provide valuable information on chocolate exporting countries and key players in the market. The professor can also analyze trade patterns and market shares of different countries to understand the major competitors in the global chocolate trade.
By following these steps and utilizing relevant sources of data and information, the professor will be able to provide Jack Carlson with comprehensive answers to his questions regarding chocolate exports, major importing nations, growing markets, and potential export competition.