Black Canyon Coffee (BCC) is a Thai-based chain of coffee restaurants at the forefront of its domestic specialty coffee market. This case incorporates content which can be used to illustrate a broad range of strategic analysis, formulation, and implementation concepts. It is specifically about matching the company’s strategic choices with conditions in the environment. The case is set at a juncture in time (2002) when the young company needs to clearly define organizational goals that will guide BCC in an increasingly complex environment.
The case opens with background material on BCC and its founder. It establishes the market conditions, consumption patterns, and competitive atmosphere of the specialty coffee business in Thailand. Then Black Canyon Coffee’s strategy and operations are described. The case closes by presenting the product and geographic expansion options being considered by the company.
Given the dynamics and complexities of the worldwide coffee beverage market, BCC has many critical strategic decisions to make as it confronts increased competition in the home market and pursues growth beyond its national borders. This analysis will produce a full understanding of the company’s current situation, identify and isolate the factors that are relevant to the decision making process, and facilitate the development of clear cut objectives and decision criteria to aid Black Canyon Coffee in making those decisions.
Review the conditions in BCC’s external environment, and assess how they impact the company’s strategic choices. What does this assessment reveal about Black Canyon Coffee’s strategic needs?
Review and summarize BCC’s organizational strengths and weaknesses. Assess the company’s ability to respond to conditions in the external environment.
Based on a full understanding of the company’s current situation, how would you define BCC’s strategic priorities?
Using the discoveries made during your analysis, how would you advise