Flevy Management Insights Case Study
Transformation Strategy for Mid-size Beverage Manufacturer in Craft Beer Market
     David Tang    |    McKinsey 3 Horizons Model


Fortune 500 companies typically bring on global consulting firms, like McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Deloitte, and Accenture, or boutique consulting firms specializing in McKinsey 3 Horizons Model to thoroughly analyze their unique business challenges and competitive situations. These firms provide strategic recommendations based on consulting frameworks, subject matter expertise, benchmark data, KPIs, best practices, and other tools developed from past client work. We followed this management consulting approach for this case study.

TLDR A mid-size craft beer manufacturer faced a 20% decrease in market share due to competition and inefficiencies in production and supply chain management. By adopting advanced technologies and optimizing operations, the company reduced costs, increased online sales by 20%, and regained 5% market share, demonstrating the importance of Strategic Planning and Innovation in addressing market challenges.

Reading time: 13 minutes

Consider this scenario: A mid-size craft beer manufacturer in North America faces strategic challenges outlined by the McKinsey 3 Horizons Model.

The company grapples with a 20% decrease in market share due to increased competition from both established brands and new entrants. Internally, the organization is hindered by outdated production technology and inefficiencies in supply chain management, resulting in 15% higher operational costs compared to industry benchmarks. The primary strategic objective is to regain market share and improve operational efficiency.



This organization is a mid-size craft beer manufacturer experiencing stagnation and decline in market performance. Market competition has intensified, leading to a 20% erosion in market share. Additionally, outdated production technologies and supply chain inefficiencies are driving up operational costs. The root causes of these challenges seem to be the slow adoption of newer brewing technologies and a lack of robust supply chain management protocols.

Industry Analysis

The craft beer industry is witnessing rapid growth with increasing consumer preference for unique and locally brewed beers.

We begin our analysis by analyzing the primary forces driving the industry:

  • Internal Rivalry: High due to numerous small and mid-size breweries competing for market share.
  • Supplier Power: Moderate, as key ingredients like hops and barley have limited suppliers.
  • Buyer Power: High, as consumers have a wide array of choices and can switch brands easily.
  • Threat of New Entrants: Moderate, with barriers to entry being relatively low but brand loyalty playing a significant role.
  • Threat of Substitutes: High, including non-craft beers, wines, and spirits.

Emergent trends in the industry include a shift towards sustainable and organic brewing practices.

  • Increasing consumer demand for sustainable products: Opportunity to differentiate through eco-friendly brewing processes but risks higher production costs.
  • Growth of direct-to-consumer sales channels: Opportunity to increase profit margins but risks logistical challenges.
  • Rise of experiential marketing: Opportunity to engage customers with brewery tours and events but risks higher marketing expenses.
  • Adoption of advanced brewing technologies: Opportunity to improve product quality and efficiency but risks significant capital investment.

PEST analysis reveals regulatory changes favoring smaller breweries, economic factors showing rising disposable incomes, social trends towards localism, and technological advancements in brewing.

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Internal Assessment

The organization has strong brand recognition and a dedicated customer base but faces weaknesses in technology adoption and supply chain efficiency.

Benchmarking Analysis shows the company lags behind competitors in operational efficiency, with 15% higher costs. Competitors have adopted advanced brewing technologies and optimized logistics, resulting in better margins and market responsiveness.

Distinctive Capabilities Analysis reveals the company excels in unique flavor profiles and strong community engagement. However, it lacks the advanced production capabilities and streamlined supply chain management seen in top industry players.

Value Chain Analysis highlights strengths in marketing and customer engagement but inefficiencies in production and logistics. Raw material procurement is costlier, and there are delays in order fulfillment, affecting overall competitiveness.

Strategic Initiatives

Based on the comprehensive understanding gained from the previous industry analysis and internal capability assessment, the leadership team formulated strategic initiatives to drive growth by 15% over the next 12 months .

  • Adopt Advanced Brewing Technologies: Upgrade production facilities to incorporate state-of-the-art brewing technology, aiming for a 10% reduction in production costs. The source of value is efficiency gains, expected to improve margins by 8%. Requires significant CapEx and skilled labor.
  • Optimize Supply Chain Management: Implement end-to-end supply chain optimization to reduce operational inefficiencies. Expected to cut logistics costs by 12%. Requires investment in IT systems and process reengineering.
  • Expand Direct-to-Consumer Channels: Develop e-commerce platform to increase direct sales, aiming for a 20% increase in revenue. Value creation comes from higher profit margins. Resource needs include IT development and marketing spend.
  • Enhance Sustainability Practices: Transition to eco-friendly brewing processes and packaging. The goal is to attract environmentally conscious consumers, aiming for a 5% market share increase. Requires CapEx for sustainable technology and raw materials.
  • Launch Experiential Marketing Campaigns: Organize brewery tours and community events to strengthen brand loyalty. Expected to boost local market share by 7%. Needs marketing budget and event planning resources.
  • Innovation Pipeline (McKinsey 3 Horizons Model): Develop a dedicated innovation team to explore new product lines and brewing techniques, aiming for long-term growth. Value is in new revenue streams. Requires R&D investment and talent acquisition.

McKinsey 3 Horizons Model Implementation KPIs

KPIS are crucial throughout the implementation process. They provide quantifiable checkpoints to validate the alignment of operational activities with our strategic goals, ensuring that execution is not just activity-driven, but results-oriented. Further, these KPIs act as early indicators of progress or deviation, enabling agile decision-making and course correction if needed.


Measurement is the first step that leads to control and eventually to improvement.
     – H. James Harrington

  • Production Cost per Unit: Measures efficiency improvements from new technologies.
  • Supply Chain Efficiency Ratio: Tracks effectiveness of supply chain optimizations.
  • Online Sales Growth Rate: Gauges success of direct-to-consumer channels.
  • Market Share in Local Markets: Measures impact of experiential marketing and sustainability initiatives.
  • New Product Development Timeline: Tracks progress of innovation pipeline.

Insights from these KPIs will help in monitoring the success of strategic initiatives and making necessary adjustments.

For more KPIs, take a look at the Flevy KPI Library, one of the most comprehensive databases of KPIs available. Having a centralized library of KPIs saves you significant time and effort in researching and developing metrics, allowing you to focus more on analysis, implementation of strategies, and other more value-added activities.

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Stakeholder Management

Success of the strategic initiatives hinges on engagement from internal and external stakeholders, including suppliers, technology partners, and marketing teams.

  • Employees: Crucial for implementing new technologies and processes.
  • Technology Partners: Provide advanced brewing and supply chain solutions.
  • Suppliers: Essential for sourcing raw materials and sustainable options.
  • Marketing Team: Develops and executes marketing campaigns.
  • Local Communities: Participate in experiential marketing events.
  • Investors: Finance the capital investments and innovation projects.

Stakeholder GroupsRACI
Employees
Technology Partners
Suppliers
Marketing Team
Local Communities
Investors

We've only identified the primary stakeholder groups above. There are also participants and groups involved for various activities in each of the strategic initiatives.

Learn more about Stakeholder Management Change Management Focus Interviewing Workshops Supplier Management

McKinsey 3 Horizons Model Deliverables

These are a selection of deliverables across all the strategic initiatives.

  • Transformation Strategy Plan (PPT)
  • Supply Chain Optimization Framework (PPT)
  • Advanced Brewing Technology Implementation Roadmap (PPT)
  • Financial Impact Model (Excel)
  • Experiential Marketing Campaign Guidelines (PPT)

Explore more McKinsey 3 Horizons Model deliverables

McKinsey 3 Horizons Model Best Practices

To improve the effectiveness of implementation, we can leverage best practice documents in McKinsey 3 Horizons Model. These resources below were developed by management consulting firms and McKinsey 3 Horizons Model subject matter experts.

Adopt Advanced Brewing Technologies

The implementation team utilized the McKinsey 7S Framework to align the organization’s internal elements with the new technology adoption. The 7S Framework is a management model that focuses on seven internal aspects of an organization: Strategy, Structure, Systems, Shared Values, Style, Staff, and Skills. It was particularly useful in this context to ensure that all organizational components were aligned for successful technology integration. The team followed this process:

  • Evaluated the current Strategy to ensure it supported the technological advancements and aligned with long-term goals.
  • Redefined the organizational Structure to facilitate better communication and faster decision-making regarding technology adoption.
  • Updated internal Systems to support the new brewing technologies, including software and hardware upgrades.
  • Reinforced Shared Values by promoting a culture that embraces innovation and continuous improvement.
  • Adjusted management Style to be more supportive of technological change and innovation.
  • Conducted training programs to upskill Staff on the new technologies.
  • Assessed and developed necessary Skills among employees to operate and maintain new brewing equipment.

The team also applied the Resource-Based View (RBV) framework to identify and leverage internal resources that could provide a competitive advantage through the new technology. RBV emphasizes the importance of valuable, rare, inimitable, and non-substitutable resources. The team executed the following steps:

  • Identified key resources such as skilled labor, proprietary brewing techniques, and existing technology infrastructure.
  • Assessed the rarity and inimitability of these resources to ensure they provided a sustainable advantage.
  • Developed strategies to enhance these resources further, such as advanced training and proprietary technology development.

The implementation of these frameworks resulted in a 10% reduction in production costs and improved overall efficiency. The organization saw a significant improvement in product quality and consistency, leading to increased customer satisfaction and market share.

Optimize Supply Chain Management

The team employed the SCOR (Supply Chain Operations Reference) model to optimize supply chain management. SCOR is a process reference model that provides a comprehensive framework for evaluating and improving supply chain performance. It was particularly beneficial for identifying inefficiencies and streamlining operations. The team implemented the model by following these steps:

  • Mapped out the entire supply chain process, from raw material procurement to final product delivery.
  • Analyzed performance metrics at each stage to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies.
  • Implemented best practices and process improvements to enhance supply chain efficiency.
  • Established performance metrics to monitor ongoing supply chain performance and identify areas for continuous improvement.

Additionally, the team used the Theory of Constraints (TOC) to identify and address the most critical bottlenecks in the supply chain. TOC focuses on identifying the weakest link in a process and improving it to enhance overall performance. The team followed these steps:

  • Identified the primary constraints in the supply chain, such as delays in raw material procurement and production scheduling issues.
  • Developed targeted solutions to address these constraints, such as establishing stronger relationships with suppliers and implementing advanced scheduling software.
  • Monitored the impact of these solutions and made further adjustments as needed to ensure continuous improvement.

The application of these frameworks resulted in a 12% reduction in logistics costs and a more streamlined supply chain. The organization experienced faster order fulfillment times and improved overall operational efficiency.

Expand Direct-to-Consumer Channels

The team utilized the Customer Journey Mapping framework to enhance the direct-to-consumer experience. Customer Journey Mapping involves creating a visual representation of the customer’s interactions with a brand, helping to identify pain points and opportunities for improvement. It was useful in this context to understand and optimize the customer experience across all touchpoints. The team followed these steps:

  • Mapped out the entire customer journey, from initial awareness to post-purchase interactions.
  • Identified key touchpoints and potential pain points that could impact the customer experience.
  • Developed strategies to improve each touchpoint, such as enhancing website usability and offering personalized customer support.

The team also applied the Jobs-to-be-Done (JTBD) framework to better understand customer needs and develop targeted solutions. JTBD focuses on understanding the underlying jobs that customers are trying to accomplish and designing products and services to meet those needs. The team followed these steps:

  • Conducted customer interviews to identify the primary jobs customers were trying to accomplish when purchasing craft beer.
  • Analyzed the insights to develop targeted solutions that addressed these jobs, such as offering subscription services and curated beer selections.
  • Implemented these solutions and monitored customer feedback to ensure they met their needs effectively.

The implementation of these frameworks resulted in a 20% increase in online sales and improved customer satisfaction. The organization was able to build stronger relationships with its customers and increase overall revenue through direct-to-consumer channels.

Enhance Sustainability Practices

The team leveraged the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) framework to enhance sustainability practices. TBL focuses on measuring an organization’s impact on people, planet, and profit, providing a comprehensive approach to sustainability. It was particularly useful in this context to ensure that sustainability initiatives aligned with overall business goals. The team followed these steps:

  • Assessed the organization’s current impact on social, environmental, and economic factors.
  • Developed targeted sustainability initiatives to improve performance in each area, such as reducing waste and energy consumption.
  • Implemented these initiatives and established metrics to monitor their impact over time.

The team also applied the Circular Economy framework to create a more sustainable and efficient production process. The Circular Economy focuses on designing out waste and keeping products and materials in use for as long as possible. The team implemented the framework by following these steps:

  • Identified opportunities to reduce waste and increase resource efficiency in the brewing process.
  • Developed strategies to reuse and recycle materials, such as repurposing spent grain for animal feed.
  • Implemented these strategies and monitored their impact on sustainability and cost savings.

The application of these frameworks resulted in a 5% increase in market share due to the growing demand for sustainable products. The organization also saw a reduction in waste and energy consumption, leading to cost savings and improved environmental performance.

Launch Experiential Marketing Campaigns

The team utilized the AIDA (Attention, Interest, Desire, Action) model to develop and execute experiential marketing campaigns. AIDA is a marketing model that describes the stages a customer goes through when interacting with a brand, from initial awareness to taking action. It was useful in this context to design campaigns that effectively engaged customers at each stage. The team followed these steps:

  • Designed marketing campaigns to capture customer Attention through engaging and memorable experiences, such as brewery tours and tasting events.
  • Created content and activities to generate Interest and Desire, such as storytelling and behind-the-scenes access to the brewing process.
  • Encouraged customers to take Action by offering exclusive promotions and incentives during events.

The team also applied the Brand Experience framework to create a cohesive and immersive brand experience. The Brand Experience framework focuses on creating meaningful and memorable interactions between customers and a brand. The team implemented the framework by following these steps:

  • Developed a consistent brand message and visual identity to be used across all experiential marketing activities.
  • Designed interactive and engaging experiences that aligned with the brand’s values and story.
  • Monitored customer feedback and engagement to continuously refine and improve the brand experience.

The implementation of these frameworks resulted in a 7% increase in local market share and stronger brand loyalty. The organization was able to create memorable and engaging experiences that resonated with customers, leading to increased brand awareness and customer retention.

Innovation Pipeline (McKinsey 3 Horizons Model)

The team leveraged the Stage-Gate Process to manage the innovation pipeline. The Stage-Gate Process is a project management approach that divides the innovation process into stages, with decision points (gates) between each stage. It was particularly useful in this context to ensure a structured and disciplined approach to innovation. The team followed these steps:

  • Defined clear stages for the innovation process, from idea generation to commercialization.
  • Established criteria for evaluating and advancing projects at each gate.
  • Implemented a governance structure to oversee the innovation pipeline and make go/no-go decisions at each gate.

The team also applied the Lean Startup methodology to foster a culture of experimentation and rapid iteration. Lean Startup emphasizes building and testing minimum viable products (MVPs) to quickly learn and adapt. The team implemented the methodology by following these steps:

  • Encouraged teams to develop MVPs for new product ideas and test them with customers.
  • Collected customer feedback and used it to iterate and improve the products.
  • Scaled successful MVPs into full-scale products and integrated them into the company’s portfolio.

The implementation of these frameworks resulted in the successful development of new product lines and brewing techniques. The organization was able to innovate more effectively and bring new products to market faster, driving long-term growth and profitability.

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Key Findings and Results

Here is a summary of the key results of this case study:

  • Reduced production costs by 10% through the adoption of advanced brewing technologies.
  • Achieved a 12% reduction in logistics costs by optimizing supply chain management.
  • Increased online sales by 20% through the expansion of direct-to-consumer channels.
  • Gained a 5% increase in market share by enhancing sustainability practices.
  • Boosted local market share by 7% via experiential marketing campaigns.
  • Successfully developed new product lines, driving long-term growth through an effective innovation pipeline.

The overall results of the initiative indicate a successful implementation of the strategic objectives. The reduction in production and logistics costs has significantly improved operational efficiency, aligning the company closer to industry benchmarks. The 20% increase in online sales and the 5% market share gain from sustainability initiatives highlight the effectiveness of the direct-to-consumer strategy and the growing consumer demand for eco-friendly products. However, some areas did not meet expectations. For instance, while the experiential marketing campaigns did boost local market share, the anticipated 7% increase suggests room for further optimization. Additionally, the significant capital expenditure required for technology upgrades and sustainability practices posed financial challenges. Alternative strategies could include phased technology adoption to spread out capital costs and leveraging partnerships for sustainability initiatives to mitigate financial strain.

For the next steps, it is recommended to continue monitoring and optimizing the implemented strategies. Specifically, focus on further refining the experiential marketing campaigns to maximize local market share gains. Additionally, explore partnerships and collaborations to enhance sustainability practices without incurring excessive costs. It is also crucial to maintain the momentum in innovation by continuously feeding the pipeline with new ideas and ensuring a structured approach to their development and commercialization. Finally, consider incremental technology upgrades to manage capital expenditure more effectively while still reaping the benefits of advanced brewing technologies.

Source: Transformation Strategy for Mid-size Beverage Manufacturer in Craft Beer Market, Flevy Management Insights, 2024

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