Branding and niche marketing are identified as the two main strategies adopted by ‘Company
B’. This company is an outstanding exporter of value added tea headed by a person with over
30 years of experience in the tea industry. The annual exports of the firm exceed 12 million
kg valued over 52 million US dollars. During the year 2007, the value added exports
amounted to 60% of the company’s export volume. Branded exports of the company
account for approximately 90% of total exports. As mentioned by the CEO during the
interviews, the branding strategy is important for securing the loyal customers. The general
practice is that the customers move to competitive companies looking for better prices.
Therefore, branding is the best strategy to retain the customers. Branding and value addition
go hand in hand. According to the CEO value addition started with their entry into the
Russian market. The significant strategic move of the company was entering the Russian
market immediately after its transformation from the former Soviet Union at a time when the
market was absolutely free from competitors. Although it was a risky decision it
demonstrated the ability of the leader to visualize the future market opportunities.