Why Dove, a Premium Soap, Thrives in One of India’s Poorest Regions: A Case Study in Consumer Behavior and Strategy 🧼
It might seem counterintuitive, but Dove, one of India’s most expensive soap brands, is thriving in a state known for its economic challenges. How is this possible?
📊 Understanding the Consumer:
In economics, there’s a concept called binary spending—"Those with money are thrifty, those without splurge." Middle-class consumers spread their spending across many categories (shoes, books, ice cream), leaving less room for premium products in each category. However, lower-income consumers tend to focus on fewer categories and opt for the best available product in those areas.
This is why, despite limited disposable income, many in this region choose Dove as their premium personal care product. Rather than spending on multiple items, they prioritize quality in select categories.
🛍 Unilever’s Strategy: Unilever has tapped into this behavior with several smart moves:
Affordable Luxury: By offering smaller pack sizes (sachets, small bars), they’ve made Dove accessible to a broader audience, even in rural areas.
Brand Positioning: Dove is marketed as a moisturizing, skin-friendly brand—a strong appeal in regions where consumers are conscious of skin health due to harsh climatic conditions.
Distribution Mastery: Unilever’s extensive distribution network ensures that Dove reaches even the most remote areas, maximizing availability.
💡 Key Takeaway for Marketers: Never make assumptions about where your premium products will succeed. Test your product across various income segments. Sometimes, your biggest opportunity lies where you least expect it.
#ConsumerInsights #Marketing #UnileverStrategy #Branding #BusinessGrowth #FMCG #India
GCMMF (Amul) | IRMA PRM 43 (2022-2024) | Food Technologist |
3moInsightful post Arpit Kalra. I agree with this thought. Sometimes brands become synonymous with with the commodity. For example consumer goes to store and directly demands for Amul butter rather than simply asking butter.