Reckitt Benckiser (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. Market Analysis & Strategies Dettol Soap
Reckitt Benckiser (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. Market Analysis & Strategies Dettol Soap
Reckitt Benckiser (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. Market Analysis & Strategies: Dettol Soap
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Table of Contents
Recommendations ..................................................................................................................... 7
References ................................................................................................................................... 9
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Reckitt Benckiser (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. Market Analysis &
Strategies: Dettol Soap
David Leung, Kuhavati A/P Rajanderan, Michael Liu, Sabrina Lazarus & Yap Jen Lyn
Market Analysis
(i) Situation Analysis (SWOT):
External Opportunities
- Dettol has the opportunity to enhance their External Threats
product quality and conduct market
researches to identify further opportunities in - Competition with other soap manufacturers
the market (Pride and Ferrell, 2016). such as Unilever and Procter & Gamble,
where competition is growing and
- The active components in Dettol is proven complexed. (Euromonitor as cited in Yash,
effective to eradicate viruses that causes the n.d.).
ongoing COVID-19 pandemic (Ijaz et al., 3
2020).
(ii) Marketing Environment:
Competitive Forces
Dettol is categorized as a monopolistic competition as existing competitors have similar
products aside from antibacterial soaps. There are many brand competitors that Dettol has,
Lifebuoy by Unilever for instance (Euromonitor, as cited in Yash, n.d.).
Sociocultural Forces
As an antiseptic soap, Dettol plays a big role during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Sociocultural forces influenced a lot of people to purchase such products such as Dettol’s soap as
they instill the fact that it can help to kill germs and viruses. Dettol also created a health awareness
campaign on TikTok, #HandWashChallenge. This campaign first started in India and outreached
nearly 18 billion views and now the campaign is being created by TikTok users worldwide and
has more than 100 billion views worldwide. This campaign is followed by many people, washing
their hands within the stipulated time of 20 seconds. This is one of the most successful campaigns
that deliver the right messages to increase awareness (Business Insider, 2020).
Technological Forces
As internet users are increasing in the tech-savvy era, Dettol has started to sell their
products online, via e-commerce platforms. Dettol’s official website has a “buy now” option and
customers will be redirected into e-shopping platforms like Shopee. As the demand for the
products is increasing, a lot of people choose to purchase Dettol’s product via e-commerce, with
the ongoing measures to stay indoors. Dettol’s sales have elevated 62% worldwide this year alone
(Sweney, 2020).
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Marketing Strategy
(i) Target Market:
The target market of Dettol-produced soaps are mainly customers such as housewives,
who are concerned about hygiene and entrusts that soaps produced by Dettol give protection from
bacteria and germs (Thapa, 2019). From our observation, we observed that Dettol implements a
differentiated strategy for their target market as they vary their soap products based on their target
market, Dettol Skincare Soap for housewives (Khedwal, 2014). Furthermore, we have analyzed
that Dettol focuses its segmentation by demographics, focusing primarily housewives between the
age group of 17-50 as their target market to sell their products to (Thapa, 2019; Megawe, 2013).
Dettol also segments by geographics, for they produce soap products such as Dettol Cool, which
gives a cooling sensation, especially in humid places such as Klang Valley in Malaysia (Khedwal,
2014).
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strategies is to connect with families and encourage them to spend the weekend outside and have
a good time. In this way, Dettol is reminding the consumers to stay healthy and enjoy their time
according to their choice. The product strategy is whereby developing routines and getting on with
ordinary people and making them blend in the virtues.
Dettol antibacterial shower gel does have multiple different types of product lines.
Where there is, Dettol Original, Dettol Profresh Cool, Dettol Profresh Re-Energize, and etc. This
is just one of the strategies that have been implied in the Dettol antibacterial shower line. The
following strategy is product modification. Dettol antibacterial shower gel has a version of the
products modified with different sizes, fragments, and ingredients in them. When this product
launched, they came up with another strategy called product extension. The last product strategy
is the product life cycle, each and every product has this product lifecycle where one could see the
product’s growth and decide whether or not it's a suitable fit for the brand. Without any of this
product strategy, Dettol antibacterial shower gel wouldn't be able to reach the recognition it has
today and help with the amazing product everywhere.
Pricing Strategy
With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, sales of Dettol have leaped, since the
disinfectant protects against the spread of the disease (Lawrie, 2020). Reckitt Benckiser sales hit
a record on the pandemic disinfectant boom, the net revenue rises 12.3% in the March quarter
(Firstpost, 2020). After some findings, the antibacterial shower gel market has proven as a highly
competitive product. Dettol's biggest top two competitors on pricing rage are Lifebuoy and Activex.
Lifebuoy’s shower gel price is RM0.65 higher than Dettol and Activex on the other hand is
RM0.20 higher (Shopee, 2020). This could be one of the causes leading to price wars. Dettol has
always been consistent with their pricing. It also mainly uses one form of a pricing strategy where
it's called geographical pricing. They also use premium pricing and adds in their discounts and
allowances run in between. Geographical pricing is where the Dettol antibacterial is distributed to
certain geographical areas of the world and it makes the price rise.
Before, Dettol antibacterial shower gel there was only antiseptic liquid and hand wash
so on. All their brand products had a very good strategy which led them to multiple comparative
analyses of Dettol and Lifebuoy. Both brands consume different types of strategies.
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Place Strategy
Dettol distributes its soap to produce, retailer, and consumer levels. In Malaysia, the
company sells its products in large quantities to big stores such as Giant and Tesco. After that,
retailers get the products from these stores, then they distribute to consumer markets. Moreover,
it’s also supplied to pharmacies overall such as Watsons and Guardian. Especially with this
ongoing pandemic, Dettol antibacterial shower gel is everywhere to help us prevent getting onto
any germs or bacteria. This brand’s company also owns multiple vans to provide the goods
domestically. Not only did Dettol not limit their place strategy, but Dettol also uses direct channel
distribution whereby they provide direct deliveries to the customers who placed bulk orders like
hospitals and personal care lines. Dettol antibacterial shower gel is also available through e-retail
platforms like Shopee.
Recommendations
Our firm observed that one component in most Dettol soaps is Sodium Laureth Sulfate
(SLES), despite the fact that SLES is safe for human use, it may cause skin irritation (Moore,
1983). Thus, our consultancy firm would like to recommend that the company manufactures
another line of soap without the usage of SLES, particularly for consumers concerned of the
component’s side effects.
In addition, some minty sensation for those who live in tropical climates as it gives a
cool sensation when applied to the skin in such humid conditions (Eccles, 1994). It is good for the
skin as it excludes SLES from the product.
Moreover, our firm would like to recommend that, since the COVID-19 pandemic,
people are washing their hands excessively which leads to subsequent dry hands that causes flare-
ups. Therefore, we would like to recommend Dettol to add some moisturizing ingredients in their
soap to prevent such circumstances. According to Lin, Zhong and Santiago (2017), some
ingredients that suits the skin are made out of plant-based oil (olive oil, coconut oil, argan oil, or
even shea butter) which are ingredients included in soaps and other cosmetics as it helps preserve
the skin to be healthy, smooth and soft.
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Lastly, we recommend Dettol to produce mini pocket size hand wash packages. In this
pandemic, people would wash their hands often but the soaps that are provided outside may be
sufficient. By producing pocket sizes, people can easily carry their own soap conveniently.
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References
Bapna, A. (2008). ‘Most Trusted Brands 2013: How Reckitt Benckiser’s Dettol Climbed
The Ladder To Second Spot.’ [online]. The Economic Times. Available at:
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/most-trusted-brands-2013-how-reckitt-
benckisers-dettol-climbed-the-ladder-to-second-
spot/articleshow/27536536.cms (Accessed: 26 September 2020).
Lawrie, E. (2020). ‘Coronavirus: Dettol sales surge as markets fall again.’ [online]. BBC
News. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/business-51658361
(Accessed: 26 October 2020).
Business Insider (2020). ‘TikTok is giving Dettol’s hand wash challenge the needed push
as it records 18 billion views in a week.’ [online]. Available at:
https://www.businessinsider.in/advertising/ad-tech/news/tiktok-is-giving-
dettols-hand-wash-challenge-the-needed-push-as-it-records-18-billion-views-
in-a-week/articleshow/74771022.cms (Accessed: 26 October 2020).
Chaudhuri, S. (2019). ‘Durex Owner Names Pepsi Executive As CEO.’ [online]. The Wall
Street Journal. Available at: https://www.wsj.com/articles/durex-owner-
names-pepsi-executive-as-ceo-11560329333 (Accessed: 11 September
2020).
Eccles, R. (1994). ‘Menthol and Related Cooling Compounds.’ Journal of Pharmacy and
Pharmacology, 46(8). [online]. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-
7158.1994.tb03871.x (Accessed: 15 October 2020).
Firstpost (2020). ‘Coronavirus Outbreak: Reckitt Benckiser’s sales hit record on pandemic
disinfectant boom; net revenue rises 12.3% in March quarter.’ [online].
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Available at: https://www.firstpost.com/health/coronavirus-outbreak-reckitt-
benckisers-sales-hit-record-on-pandemic-disinfectant-boom-net-revenue-
rises-12-3-in-march-quarter-8317361.html (Accessed: 26 October 2020).
Ijaz, M. K., Whitehead, K., Srinivasan, V., McKinney, J., Rubino, J., Ripley, M., Jones,
C., Nims, R. W. and Charlesworth, B. (2020). ‘Microbicidal actives with
virucidal efficacy against SARS-CoV-2.’ American Journal of Infection
Control, 48(8). [online]. Available at:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajic.2020.05.015 (Accessed: 25 September 2020).
Khedwal, A. (2014). Market Research Indian Personal Hygiene Market Reckitt Benckiser
India Ltd.: Brand Dettol. [online]. Available at:
https://www.slideshare.net/ArunKhedwal/1-market-research-arun-balkrishna-
khedwal (Accessed: 25 October 2020).
Lin, T., Zhong, L. and Santiago, J. L. (2017). ‘Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair
Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils.’ International Journal of
Molecular Sciences, 19(1). [online]. Available at:
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19010070 (Accessed: 24 October 2020).
Moore, A. (1983). ‘Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Sodium Laureth Sulfate and
Ammonium Laureth Sulfate.’ JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE
OF TOXICOLOGY, 2(1). [online]. American College of Toxicology.
Available at: https://doi.org/10.3109%2F10915818309140713 (Accessed: 13
October 2020).
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Pinto, V. S. (2015). ‘40 years ago...And now: Not just germs, Dettol fights rivals
unabated.’ [online]. Business-standard.com. Available at:
https://www.business-standard.com/article/management/40-years-ago-and-
now-not-just-germs-dettol-fights-rivals-unabated-115031201150_1.html
(Accessed: 14 September 2020).
Shopee (2020). Shop Soap Products Online - Bath & Body. [online]. Shopee.com.my.
Available at: https://shopee.com.my/Soap-cat.129.573.21118 (Accessed: 26
October 2020).
Sweney, M. (2020). Coronavirus pandemic spurs sales surge for makers of Dettol.
[online]. The Guardian. Available at:
<https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/jul/28/coronavirus-pandemic-
spurs-sales-surge-for-makers-of-dettol>. [Accessed: 25 September 2020].
The Star (2013). ‘Reader's Digest honours preferred names in Malaysia and the region.’
[online]. Available at:
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/community/2013/06/13/brands-most-
malaysians-trust-readers-digest-honours-preferred-names-in-malaysia-and-
the-region (Accessed: 28 September 2020).
Yash, N. (n.d.). THE GLOBAL MARKET FOR SOAPS. [online]. The London School of
Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. Available at:
https://www.academia.edu/4935677/THE_GLOBAL_MARKET_FOR_SOA
PS_A_Market_Research_Report_For_the_Public_Private_Partnership_on_H
andwashing_with_Soap_THE_LONDON_SCHOOL_OF_HYGIENE_and_T
ROPICAL_MEDICINE_2_The_Global_Market_for_Soaps_CONTENTS_A
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cknowledgements_Acronyms_List_of_Figures_and_Tables_Executive_Sum
mary (Accessed: 28 September 2020).
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Peer Evaluation Form for Group Assignment Coursework
[to be attached into your hardcopy of your group assignment]
Your name: David Leung
Write the name of each of your group members (including yourself) in the columns below. For each person, indicate the extent
to which you agree with the statement on the left, using a scale of 1-4 (1=strongly disagree; 2=disagree; 3=agree; 4=strongly
agree). Total the numbers in each column.
Evaluation Criteria Group member: Group member: Group member: Group member: Group member:
David Leung Kuhavati A/P Michael Liu Sabrina Lazarus Yap Jen Lyn
Rajanderan
Attends group meetings regularly 4 4 4 4 4
and arrives on time.
TOTAL 24 24 24 24 24
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Feedback on team dynamics:
Team effort was implemented as every single of us put in effort into every part we are tasked to, even if it means sacrificing
our rest time to finish up the tasks.
2. Were the behaviors of any of your team members particularly valuable or detrimental to the team? Explain.
Everyone inquires anything they have in doubts to their respective tasks and we tried to assist everyone in their tasks.
3. What did you learn about working in a group from this project that you will carry into your next group experience?
I will indeed carry on the willingness to be proactive in helping and assisting my team members in my next group assignments
and the experience of leading a group.
Adapted from a peer evaluation form developed at Johns Hopkins University (October, 2006)
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Peer Evaluation Form for Group Assignment Coursework
[to be attached into your hardcopy of your group assignment]
Your name: Kuhavati A/P Rajanderan
Write the name of each of your group members (including yourself) in the columns below. For each person, indicate the extent
to which you agree with the statement on the left, using a scale of 1-4 (1=strongly disagree; 2=disagree; 3=agree; 4=strongly
agree). Total the numbers in each column.
Evaluation Criteria Group member: Group member: Group member: Group member: Group member:
Kuhavati A/P David Leung Michael Liu Sabrina Lazarus Yap Jen Lyn
Rajanderan
Attends group meetings regularly 4 4 4 4 4
and arrives on time.
TOTAL 24 24 24 24 24
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Feedback on team dynamics:
Everyone was very respectful and understanding, in that manner it was very easy to work with one another.
2. Were the behaviors of any of your team members particularly valuable or detrimental to the team? Explain.
I loved working with my team members because everyone had a great attitude and were respectful to one another.
3. What did you learn about working in a group from this project that you will carry into your next group experience?
Communicating is always the great key to any successful project and I would carry forward the same energy into my next
group experience.
Adapted from a peer evaluation form developed at Johns Hopkins University (October, 2006)
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Peer Evaluation Form for Group Assignment Coursework
[to be attached into your hardcopy of your group assignment]
Your name: Michael Liu
Write the name of each of your group members (including yourself) in the columns below. For each person, indicate the extent
to which you agree with the statement on the left, using a scale of 1-4 (1=strongly disagree; 2=disagree; 3=agree; 4=strongly
agree). Total the numbers in each column.
Evaluation Criteria Group member: Group member: Group member: Group member: Group member:
Michael Liu David Leung Kuhavati A/P Sabrina Lazarus Yap Jen Lyn
Rajanderan
Attends group meetings regularly 4 4 4 4 4
and arrives on time.
TOTAL 24 24 24 24 24
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Feedback on team dynamics:
We managed to do all the tasks on time and everybody understand the topic very well. We did all parts well done and we had
several group meetings to discuss the subject.
2. Were the behaviors of any of your team members particularly valuable or detrimental to the team? Explain.
The team was very nice, the leader also keep track of us and always reminding us to do our tasks. He also checks our parts
frequently and give some feedbacks.
3. What did you learn about working in a group from this project that you will carry into your next group experience?
I personally think that teamwork is very important. We can check on each other and give opinions to make the work perfect.
Understanding the teammates’ behaviour and capability/skills is also important so that we can divide the work based on the
experiences.
Adapted from a peer evaluation form developed at Johns Hopkins University (October, 2006)
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Peer Evaluation Form for Group Assignment Coursework
[to be attached into your hardcopy of your group assignment]
Your name: Sabrina Lazarus
Write the name of each of your group members (including yourself) in the columns below. For each person, indicate the extent
to which you agree with the statement on the left, using a scale of 1-4 (1=strongly disagree; 2=disagree; 3=agree; 4=strongly
agree). Total the numbers in each column.
Evaluation Criteria Group member: Group member: Group member: Group member: Group member:
Sabrina Lazarus David Leung Kuhavati A/P Michael Liu Yap Jen Lyn
Rajanderan
Attends group meetings regularly 4 4 4 4 4
and arrives on time.
TOTAL 24 24 24 24 24
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Feedback on team dynamics:
Quite effective as almost all the group members really do their work on time and they are trying their best to write this essay
and go through a lot of discussion session.
2. Were the behaviors of any of your team members particularly valuable or detrimental to the team? Explain.
My team members are very valuable such as David, Kuhavati, Yap Jen Lyn and Michael as they do a good job in the essay and
finish it on time.
3. What did you learn about working in a group from this project that you will carry into your next group experience?
I learn that we need to have the deadlines for each one of us to do the essay in order for us to keep in track with our
performance and that good communication skill is needed in teamwork.
Adapted from a peer evaluation form developed at Johns Hopkins University (October, 2006)
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Peer Evaluation Form for Group Assignment Coursework
[to be attached into your hardcopy of your group assignment]
Your name: Yap Jen Lyn
Write the name of each of your group members (including yourself) in the columns below. For each person, indicate the extent
to which you agree with the statement on the left, using a scale of 1-4 (1=strongly disagree; 2=disagree; 3=agree; 4=strongly
agree). Total the numbers in each column.
Evaluation Criteria Group member: Group member: Group member: Group member: Group member:
Yap Jen Lyn David Leung Kuhavati A/P Michael Liu Sabrina Lazarus
Rajanderan
Attends group meetings regularly 4 4 4 4 4
and arrives on time.
TOTAL 24 24 24 24 24
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Feedback on team dynamics:
The group work was very effective as everyone did their parts as well as assisting in any difficulties and helpful.
2. Were the behaviors of any of your team members particularly valuable or detrimental to the team? Explain.
Yes, to be honest I really enjoy being in this team as everyone was so helpful and understanding.
3. What did you learn about working in a group from this project that you will carry into your next group experience?
What I learned about working in a group from this project is that I will be more open to people’s opinion and be more helpful
to one another.
Adapted from a peer evaluation form developed at Johns Hopkins University (October, 2006)
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Reckitt Benckiser (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.
Market Analysis & Strategies (Dettol
Soap)
by DAVID LEUNG .
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Reckitt Benckiser (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. Market Analysis &
Strategies (Dettol Soap)
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