Belgian Beverage Company Boosts Market Share by 150% and Revenue by 300% with Countertrade Strategies

Here's What We Do Better

Background
Our client, a beverage company based in Belgium, was facing a loss of market share in the competitive global market. They produce a variety of beverages, including soft drinks, energy drinks, and bottled water. Their primary target audience is consumers in the 18-45 age group.
Problem
The client’s loss of market share was due to increased competition from international brands, high production costs, and an inability to effectively penetrate new markets. The company sought our expertise to regain market share, increase revenue, and improve their overall global presence.
COUNTERTRADE SOLUTIONS
SOLUTION 
We implemented a multi-faceted countertrade strategy to address the client’s challenges. This strategy included the following mechanisms:
  1. Counter-Purchase Agreements
  2. Direct and Indirect Offsets
  3. Joint Ventures (JVs)
  4. Co-production Agreements
  5. Import Entitlement Programs
  6. Framework Agreements
Implementation #1
Counter-Purchase Agreements: We assisted the client in establishing counter-purchase agreements with major beverage distributors in various countries. These agreements allowed our client to purchase goods and services from the distributors, in exchange for the distributors purchasing our client’s products.
Implementation #2
Direct and Indirect Offsets: We facilitated offset agreements with suppliers in various countries, leading to a 70% cost reduction in raw materials and manufacturing. This allowed the client to reduce production costs and price their products more competitively.
Implementation #3
Joint Ventures (JVs): We helped the client form strategic JVs with local beverage producers in key markets, allowing them to share resources, production facilities, and distribution networks. This increased the client’s market presence and provided them with valuable local knowledge.
Implementation #4
Co-production Agreements: We facilitated co-production agreements with local beverage manufacturers, enabling the client to produce their products using local facilities and resources. This significantly reduced production and transportation costs, making the client’s products more price-competitive in the new markets.
Implementation #5
Import Entitlement Programs: We negotiated import entitlement programs for the client with governments of target countries. This allowed the client to access favorable exchange rates and minimize import duties, further reducing costs and enhancing competitiveness.
Implementation #6
Framework Agreements: We established long-term framework agreements with key distributors in target countries, ensuring a reliable distribution network and ongoing market access for the client’s products.
Result
RESULT
By implementing these countertrade mechanisms, the client experienced significant improvements in their business, including:
  1. Increased market share by 150%.
  2. Boosted revenue growth by 300%.
  3. Reduced production costs by 50%.
  4. Penetrated 10 new markets within 60 days.
  5. Expanded supplier and distributor networks in 20 countries.
  6. Attracted top talent and increased investor confidence.
  7. Improved supply chain efficiency.
CONCLUSION
The implementation of a comprehensive countertrade strategy not only helped the client regain their lost market share but also facilitated their expansion into new markets. The client experienced a significant increase in revenue, improved profitability, enhanced brand reputation, and greater customer loyalty. In addition, they achieved a stronger competitive advantage, diversification opportunities, increased market influence, and long-term sustainability.
What YOU CAN DO TO
ACHIEVE SIMILAR RESULTS
If you encounter challenges akin to those of our clients and aspire to attain comparable outcomes in your business as they did, consider taking the following steps:
  1. Engage the services of a countertrade consultant and expert: Countertrade strategies can be intricate and require a thorough understanding of international trade regulations, financial instruments, and local market conditions. Collaborating with an experienced countertrade consultant will help you navigate these complexities and develop a tailored strategy for your business.
  2. Identify suitable countertrade mechanisms: Assess your business needs and objectives, and determine which countertrade mechanisms would be most effective in addressing your challenges. This may include counter-purchase agreements, offsets, joint ventures, co-production agreements, import entitlement programs, and framework agreements.
  3. Establish strategic partnerships: Form alliances with local partners in your target markets to gain access to valuable resources, knowledge, and networks. Collaborating with local businesses can help you overcome barriers to entry and create a strong presence in new markets.
  4. Optimize your supply chain: Evaluate your current supply chain and identify areas where you can reduce costs, improve efficiency, and enhance competitiveness. Implementing countertrade strategies can help you secure better deals with suppliers and distributors, ultimately leading to cost savings and improved market positioning.
  5. Continuously monitor and adjust your countertrade strategy: Regularly review the performance of your countertrade agreements and partnerships, and make adjustments as needed. This will ensure that your countertrade strategy remains effective and responsive to changing market conditions.
HOW WE CAN HELP YOU
ACHIEVE SIMILAR RESULTS
Our team of countertrade experts is ready to help you overcome your business challenges and achieve the kind of success experienced by our Belgian beverage client. By partnering with us, you can expect:
  1. Tailored countertrade strategy development: We will work closely with you to design a customized countertrade strategy that addresses your unique challenges and objectives.
  2. Comprehensive implementation support: Our team will guide you through the implementation process, ensuring that each countertrade mechanism is executed effectively and in compliance with international trade regulations.
  3. Ongoing monitoring and optimization: We will provide ongoing support to ensure your countertrade strategy remains effective and responsive to market changes. This includes monitoring the performance of your agreements and partnerships, and making necessary adjustments to maximize results.
  4. Access to our global network: As a leading countertrade consultancy, we have an extensive network of industry contacts, partners, and resources in countries around the world. We will connect you with the right partners and suppliers to help you achieve your goals.
CASE STUDY SUMMARY
The Belgian beverage company in this case study faced significant challenges, including loss of market share, increased competition, and difficulty penetrating new markets. By implementing a comprehensive countertrade strategy, the company was able to regain market share, increase revenue, reduce costs, and successfully expand into new markets. Key countertrade mechanisms included counter-purchase agreements, direct and indirect offsets, joint ventures, co-production agreements, import entitlement programs, and framework agreements. With the support of our expert countertrade consultancy, the client achieved a 150% increase in market share, 300% growth in revenue, and expansion into 10 new markets within 60 days.

Here's What We Do Better