The Baking industry was declining in 2009. It was estimated that the industry would rise 8.1 percent per year on average through 2014. The industry does look like it is growing and it’s looking attractive to many people. For example, the television show “sex and the city” put specialty cup cakes on the market and introduced many people to the art of specialty cupcakes. And on page C-33 it says “the cupcakery business is expected to grow 20% between the years 2009 and 2014. This trend influenced the hit TV show Cupcake Wars. Which many people watch and helps bring free advertisement to the art of cupcakes.
2. How strong are the competitive forces confronting Sift and other specialty bakers? Which one of the five competitive forces is the strongest? Prepare a five-forces analysis to support your answer.
In 2010 there were 106 known cupcakeries in the bay area. But a majority of the businesses are single store establishments and not a huge threat to Sift’s. But an establishment by the name of Kara’s Cupcakes is the biggest competition Sift will have to deal with. Being Kara has six stores located in the Bay Area alone. This company can drive Sift right out of the area. The competitive force that is the strongest is the Broad Differentiation Strategy. Sift is expanding locations, it opened the first shop in 2008, the second shop opened in 2009, and the third largest shop they opened is their largest yet at 2,260 square feet building.
3. What key factors will determine a company’s success in the specialty baking market in the next 3-5 years?
High quality and tasty baked goods would be the first key to success. Choosing a convenient location for consumers to consider specific consumers with higher incomes would also contribute to success. Lastly, having exceeded consumer