Global marketing research information guides the development
of products suitable for international markets. The market
must be segmented and the global consumer profile understood
so that appropriate product positioning can be developed.
Global marketers also have to make appropriate market entry and
distribution decisions to ensure that their product is fully available
to the consumer. As we will see in part 4, every element of the
global marketing mix must support and fit with the product. This
chapter examines the main aspects of global product and brand
decisions. We begin with a review of product and brand concepts,
followed by a discussion of how products can be adapted
to meet the needs of international markets. The guidelines for
global brand leadership are discussed and attitudes towards foreign
products are explored. Finally the strategic alternatives in
global marketing are identified and new product development
processes are discussed. Once you have read the chapter, turn
to Case 10-1 at the end of the chapter to learn more about the
branding and marketing of the Beatles Story, Liverpool.