Colgate In Argentina Essays (4334 words) - Oral Hygiene,

Colgate In Argentina Colgate was founded in the United States in 1806 and for the first 100 years, its business focus was only there. However, in the very early 1900's, the Company began a very aggressive expansion program that led to the establishment of Colgate operations throughout the world. Today, Colgate-Palmolive is a $9 billion company, marketing its products in over 200 countries and territories under such internationally recognized brand names as Colgate, Palmolive, Ajax, Fab, and Mennen as well as Hill's Science Diet and Hill's Prescription Diet. Colgate Total is considered the greatest evolution in toothpaste since the introduction of fluoride. This highly effective formula, containing fluoride and the antimicrobial ingredient, Triclosan, has been demonstrated clinically to help prevent gingivitis, plaque, cavities and tartar. And, its unique patented formula, containing the co-polymer, Gantrez, continues to be active between brushings. It continues to work fighting plaque, gingivitis, tartar and cavities after you stop brushing, even if you eat or drink. No other toothpaste manufactured in the US contains Triclosan or has been cleared to make claims for gingivitis and plaque reduction. Since the announcement of the FDA clearance of Colgate Total on July 14, 1997, retailers have expressed unprecedented enthusiasm and interest. Dr. Sigmund S. Socransky, Associate Professor of Oral Biology, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, and Senior Member of the Staff and Head, Departments of Microbiology and Periodontology, Forsyth Dental Center, said, "Colgate Total represents one of the most remarkable oral therapeutic achievements in the last 20 years." Colgate Total will benefit the oral health of all users. The most common non-contagious diseases are periodontal diseases such as gingivitis. In fact, 63% of Americans suffer from gingivitis. As the only toothpaste with this formula, Colgate Total will help Americans take greater care of their teeth and gums than ever before and will help younger people prevent these dental problems. Since Colgate Total was introduced internationally in 1992, over half a billion tubes have been purchased by millions of consumers in 103 countries. However, before permitting it to be marketed in the US, the FDA conducted an extensive review of data in Colgate's clinical tests. These included five major studies that supported the safety and efficacy of the toothpaste. Independent dental associations in 30 countries, including the American, Canadian and British Dental Associations, have awarded seals of acceptance to Colgate Total. Colgate Total will begin shipping to food, drug and mass merchandisers nationwide on December 15, 1997, and will have a suggested retail price of $2.49, $2.99 and $3.49 for 4.2, 6.0 and 7.8 ounce tubes, respectively. Colgate-Palmolive is a leading global consumer products company tightly focused on Oral Care, Personal Care, Household Care, Fabric Care and Pet Nutrition. In the U.S., Colgate sells its quality products under such nationally recognized brand names as Colgate, Palmolive, Mennen, Ajax, Irish Spring, Softsoap, Murphy Oil Soap, Ultra Brite, Baby Magic and Fab, as well as Hill's Science Diet and Hill's Prescription Diet pet foods. Executive summary Successful international marketers possess the ability to identify with and adapt to different cultural environments. International marketing requires that one actively anticipate the effects both foreign and domestic uncontrollable environments exert over the marketing mix, and then adequately adjust the marketing mix to minimize potential negative effects. Often times an international marketer's self-reference criterion impede his or her ability to accurately assess and properly respond to foreign operating environments. Rather than rely on their own self reliance criteria, international marketers must conduct far-reaching, comprehensive cultural and economic analyses of potential foreign markets in order to develop more effective and responsive marketing mixes that improve the success potential of their market-development strategies. Argentina certainly represents a viable market-development opportunity for Colgate Total toothpaste. U.S. companies intending to export to Argentina should consider economic, demographic, as well as cultural characteristics that differentiate it from other Latin American countries. Having the highest per capita gross domestic product and the second highest total gross domestic product and life expectancy in Latin America, as well as low rates of population increase and illiteracy rates, Argentina attracts many business opportunities. The population and economic activity are highly concentrated in the Greater Buenos Aires area. The population is largely of European descent and continues to have strong ethnic, cultural, as well as business ties with Europe. Consumer preferences tend to resemble more those of Europeans than those of other Latin America nationals. However, revenues are highly dependent on MERCOSUR trade, especially with Brazil, and the regional economic situation. In many sectors, European competitors of U.S. firms are already present in the market, and may be well entrenched. Nevertheless, the U.S. is Argentina's