Marlboro’s exceptional success as a global brand is the result of:
a carefully planned and implemented global expansion strategy
effective market research to identify a global consumer segment
a strong brand image to appeal to this global consumer group (Marlboro Man)
an optimal mix between standardization and adaptation across markets
past challenges like: health warning labels, marketing constraints, public
scandals, legal lawsuits, etc. were mastered successfully
rapidly changing tobacco industry environment
many future challenges like: increased taxes on cigarette sales,
introduction of plain packaging, ban on various ingredients,
product display bans in retail stores
Marlboro and Philip Morris need to find new and innovative ways to
address these challenges and maintain global market leadership