Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Excelsior University
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Table of Contents
Executive Summary...................................................................................................................... 3
Company Description................................................................................................................... 4
Market Analysis............................................................................................................................ 5
i. Strengths........................................................................................................................... 6
ii. Weaknesses...................................................................................................................... 7
iii. Opportunities..................................................................................................................... 8
iv. Threats.............................................................................................................................. 8
Products........................................................................................................................................ 9
Marketing Plan.............................................................................................................................. 9
Financial Plan.............................................................................................................................. 12
Conclusion.................................................................................................................................. 14
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Executive Summary
Nawah aims to transform the coffee industry through sustainable innovation. Our
principal production, date-seed coffee, originates in the UAE and reflects its cultural heritage
while providing health benefits and premium taste. Our plan for strategic collaborations with
local farmers will ensure ethical sourcing and community support. Accordingly, our unique
organizational structure blends efficiency with cultural understanding of the local context. Nawah
offers two signature products: Nawah Pods and Nawah Roast Coffee. Nawah Pods deliver
convenience without compromising taste, catering to diverse brewing methods. Nawah Roast
Coffee captures the essence of freshly ground coffee, appealing to both traditional and modern
taste preferences. Our commitment to sustainability is aligned with Emirati cultural values and
The flourishing UAE coffee market, valued at $165 million in imports, offers substantial
growth prospects for Nawah. Projected revenues of $299.80 million by 2023 attest to the appeal
collaborations with local businesses and influencers will enhance our market presence and
connect with the audience. Our financial strategies include currency hedging through forward
contracts and alignment with the UAE dirham. The UAE's robust GDP growth, tax framework,
and regulatory environment bolster our venture's stability. Nawah's journey merges innovation
Nawah envisions a sustainable future where every cup of date-seed coffee embodies
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Company Description
environmental, social, and economic sustainability across its global supply chain. With a
commitment to fostering positive impacts on both people and the planet, our core mission is to
introduce innovative and sustainable solutions to the market. Anchored in the United Arab
Emirates (UAE), Nawah's business model revolves around producing and distributing date-seed
coffee. This eco-friendly alternative to conventional coffee is crafted from ethically sourced date
seeds procured from sustainable and ethically managed date farms (Niazi et al., 2017). Through
responsible sourcing and production, Nawah strives to reduce waste, support local
communities, and offer consumers a delightful and sustainable coffee experience (Lannone &
Caruso, 2023).
date-seed coffee sector. Our mission extends beyond financial success, aiming to set a new
research and development, and emphasizing ethical sourcing, we aim to become synonymous
collaborations with local farmers to ensure fair market access for their date seeds, secure a
reliable income stream, and reduce food waste. We also intend to channel resources into
research and development, enhancing our date-seed coffee's quality and taste profiles through
food choices.
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Our organizational structure, designed for optimal efficiency within a foreign context like
the UAE, combines functional departments and product-specific teams. This matrix structure
development, and overall strategic direction. The approach respects local autonomy, offering
space for region-specific adaptations crucial for accommodating cultural nuances and market
dynamics (Englehardt & Simmons, 2002). This design ensures alignment with our vision while
Nawah date-seed coffee is a premium and versatile product crafted meticulously from
ethically sourced date seeds. Our unique flavor profile, underscored by notes of sweetness,
promises a memorable coffee experience. Nawah differentiates itself with its product
adaptability, suitable for various brewing methods, including coffee machines, moka pots, and
coffee pods. This choice accommodates both coffee enthusiasts who prefer the aroma of freshly
ground coffee and those who seek convenience. Our dedication to offering a premium,
sustainable coffee option resonates with health-conscious consumers and underscores our
Market Analysis
One of Nawah's primary goals for entering the UAE market with date-seed coffee is to
capitalize on its potential health benefits. Date seeds contain various antioxidants that can
coffee. These encompass its innate, pleasant flavor profile resembling sweetness, and its
notable abundance of antioxidants (Habib et al, 2013; Kongu & Sengottian, 2016). By
leveraging these properties and our flavor profiling expertise, we aim to create a distinct product
advantages that give them a competitive edge over existing players in the market.
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Nawah is poised to capitalize on a compelling opportunity in light of the flourishing UAE
coffee market. As of 2021, the UAE's coffee imports reached $165 million, ranking it the 38th
largest global coffee importer, as reported by OEC (2021). The UAE and the United States
boast promising coffee markets with substantial revenue figures. With projected revenues of
$299.80 million in 2023 and a yearly growth rate of 3.54% from 2023 to 2028, the UAE's coffee
market is experiencing robust growth (Statista, 2023). Nawah's innovation and the cultural
significance of dates within Emirati traditions position us favorably to carve a niche within this
landscape. The UAE's political stability and pro-business environment further create an ideal
backdrop for our venture (United Nations, 2017). Nawah's commitment to responsible sourcing
and adherence to local regulations ensures alignment with UAE's sustainability, safety, and
consumer protection policies (Tamm, 2023). The global trend toward healthier dietary choices
indicates that a considerable segment of health-conscious individuals in the UAE will find date-
i. Strengths
Firstly, Nawah possesses the distinct advantage of cultural relevance, with its products
deeply rooted in the UAE's heritage of date consumption. The strong connection between date-
based products and Emirati culture gives Nawah a unique selling proposition. This cultural
alignment enhances brand resonance and creates an emotional connection with consumers,
fostering loyalty and brand preference. Given its profound connection with local traditions and
practices, comprehending the cultural customs associated with dates becomes essential
(Asgary, 2019).
Secondly, Nawah will leverage the expertise of local specialists in palm cultivation and
date extraction. This strategic approach entails cultivating palm trees within the UAE's
conducive environment with optimal soil composition and temperature conditions. This
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component in our coffee production, and underscores our commitment to delivering a premium
product. Ultimately, this will ensure consistency in flavor and quality which is crucial for
Lastly, offering both roast coffee grind and coffee pods caters to a broader range of
consumer preferences, ensuring inclusivity and convenience. As the demand for healthier food
and beverage options rises, Nawah's products cater to the health-conscious consumer
demographic. The inherent health benefits of date seeds, combined with Nawah's premium
coffee offerings, create a product line that aligns seamlessly with the preferences of individuals
ii. Weaknesses
Date-seed coffee is a relatively new concept, and educating consumers about its
benefits and unique flavor may require substantial marketing efforts. The the process of
adapting marketing messages to resonate with local customs and preferences could be
While offering premium quality, Nawah's pricing strategy could also be considered a
vulnerability. Striking the right balance between premium pricing and affordability is crucial.
Setting prices too high could alienate price-sensitive consumers, potentially limiting the
product's accessibility and growth. Conversely, pricing too low may undermine the perceived
Accordingly, gaining acceptance from the established coffee community could prove
challenging. Due to ingrained preferences and loyalties, the traditional coffee industry may resist
or hesitate to embrace innovative alternatives like date-seed coffee. Overcoming this obstacle
requires targeted efforts to educate and win over coffee enthusiasts who may hesitate to deviate
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from their familiar choices. Nawah must invest in persuasive messaging and collaboration
iii. Opportunities
opportunity for Nawah to capture a share of this expanding market. Nawah's commitment to
ethically sourced date seeds aligns perfectly with the growing global sustainability trend. In an
era where consumers are increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of their choices,
Nawah's emphasis on responsible sourcing and production practices resonates strongly. This
socially responsible brand, fostering trust and positive brand perception. By emphasizing our
use of locally sourced dates and supporting local farmers, we can appeal to consumers who
Additionally, the intrinsic connection between date-based products and Emirati culture
presents a unique avenue for market penetration and brand resonance. This can be seen as
both a strength and an opportunity. By tapping into this cultural significance, Nawah can create
an intimate emotional bond with consumers, fostering loyalty and affinity. This opportunity
extends beyond the local market, enabling Nawah to establish itself as a cultural ambassador
by introducing its products to international audiences who appreciate and seek authentic cultural
experiences.
iv. Threats
One major threat is competition from established players in the coffee industry, who may
also recognize the potential of date-seed coffee. The UAE coffee market is diverse and includes
various established players. Nawah needs to differentiate itself to compete effectively. To do so,
Nawah aims to create a unique value proposition highlighting our expertise in flavor profiling and
commitment to sustainability.
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External factors such as regulatory changes or economic conditions can also challenge
rates can impact their ability to source raw materials at competitive prices or export finished
products profitably. Remaining informed on market dynamics and adapting our strategies
accordingly will be crucial to mitigating these threats. Lastly, Misalignment with local
preferences and customs could hinder the acceptance of date-seed coffee, impacting market
penetration.
Products
Initially, Nawah will launch two products: Nawah Coffee pods and Nawah Roast Coffee.
These products will cater to brewing preferences, ensuring inclusivity among coffee enthusiasts
with varying tastes and lifestyles. Nawah Pods are carefully designed to be compatible with a
wide range of coffee machines to offer all consumers effortless brewing at the push of a button.
On the other hand, Nawah Roast Coffee is a product tailored to those who appreciate the
authenticity and aroma of freshly ground coffee. Whether prepared in a moka pot or using other
brewing methods, Nawah Roast Coffee was developed to satisfy the demand of more
precisionist consumers.
Marketing Plan
understand the target market. In determining the target market, we have considered several
demographics, including age group, psychographics (such as lifestyle preferences), and cultural
characteristics. According to research by Chang & Spierings (2023), millennials and young
professionals are significant consumers of specialty coffees in the region due to their willingness
collaborations, and influencer engagement to achieve this. Our focus will center on introducing
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our unique products by creating an impactful and sustainable brand image that resonates with
the values of health-conscious consumers and coffee enthusiasts within the population.
alternative to traditional coffee. Our unique value proposition lies in our ethically sourced date-
seed coffee, which differentiates us from existing players in the market. We will collaborate with
local cafes, retailers, and influencers to penetrate the market effectively. By aligning with
established brands and engaging personalities who share our values, we aim to build credibility
The UAE market boasts a robust tradition of date consumption, supported by its
favorable climate for cultivating date palms(Gulf News,2023). The advantageous climate of the
UAE enables us to grow date palms and ensures an ongoing and consistent supply of quality
dates. The population's historical bond with dates aligns seamlessly with our strategy, given that
Collaborating with local coffee shops can be highly beneficial when launching a new
specialty product like date-seed coffee in an unfamiliar market. These partnerships provide
access to established customer bases and increase visibility within the local community. Our
strategies include offering exclusive menu items featuring date-seed coffee and conducting joint
promotions that help create brand awareness while leveraging existing customer loyalty toward
To generate buzz around Nawah, we will employ a mix of influencer collaborations and
in-store taste sampling. By collaborating with influencers with a significant following in the UAE,
Nawah will be promoted effectively to a broader audience (Verplancke & Gelati, 2022). Our
affiliation with influential food bloggers and social media personalities will involve conducting
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giveaways and sponsored content during organized events around the launch of Nawah. Onsite
taste testing is an essential strategy for generating consumer awareness and interest.
Our pricing strategy is aligned with the premium nature of our product. While we aim to
be competitive, we acknowledge the inherent value and outlay of our eco-friendly and ethically
sourced coffee. We will introduce promotional pricing and special offers during the initial launch
the culture of the UAE is crucial for successful marketing. The UAE has a rich cultural heritage
rooted in traditions and values that should be respected when introducing new products.
Accordingly, we have incorporated traditional Emirati motifs and symbols into our product
packaging, which will help create a sense of authenticity and familiarity. Cultural sensitivity is at
Developing a well-executed marketing plan will be crucial for the successful launch of
Nawah into the UAE market. By understanding the current coffee market trends in the region,
identifying suitable target markets through demographic analysis, collaborating with local coffee
shops and influencers, conducting onsite taste testing events, adapting branding elements
according to UAE culture, and implementing attractive offers, Nawah can gain traction and
establish itself as a unique and desirable product in the UAE's growing coffee industry.
Our strategy for logistics and operations integrates local knowhow in material production
and sustainability practices along a robust network to serve Nawah's target market. By
centralizing our manufacturing processes in the UAE, we will gain access to local expertise in
date palm cultivation and a reliable supply of high-quality date seeds. This simplifies our
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environment perfectly complements its favorable climate and soil conditions required for
growing date palms ensuring a sustainable supply of raw materials (Shahid & Abdelfattah, 2008;
Lieb, 2020).
Additionally, rooting our operations within the UAE provides many benefits, including
distances and timeframes. Nawah has mapped across the country to develop an intricate
distribution and supply chain management network; it involves partnerships with local farmers,
distributors, coffee shops, and supermarkets to reach diverse customers across the UAE. The
arid climate of the region naturally aligns with the water-efficient nature of date palm cultivation,
requiring minimal irrigation to thrive. This approach conserves precious water resources, a vital
Financial Plan
As Nawah operates exclusively within the UAE, the local currency, the UAE dirham, is
our primary transactional medium used for our financial plan. The UAE dirham is undervalued
by 7.6% against the US dollar, with an exchange rate of 1 USD to AED 3.67, according to
sources such as Guagenti (2023) and The Big Mac Index (2023). This financial environment
leads us to use forward contracts, a strategic hedging technique, to lock in exchange rates with
our suppliers. These tactics, explained by experts Garber & Spencer (1995) and Brown (2001),
The UAE's financial landscape shows a strong GDP of $427.88 billion in 2022, with an
annual growth rate of 7.4% (The World Bank, 2023). The GDP per capita also experienced
gains, reaching $53,757.9 in 2022, with a growth rate of 6.5% (The World Bank, 2023). Inflation
remained stable at 4.8% in 2022, according to Focus Economics (2023). Notably, as Nawah
products are locally made with no current plans to export, we are exempt from tariffs. Starting
June 1st, 2023, the UAE Corporate Tax has a tiered structure. Profits below AED 375,000 are
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tax-exempt, while those exceeding it are taxed at a 9% rate. Multinational conglomerates with
consolidated global revenues over AED 3.15 billion are subjected to specific rates based on the
UAE regulations prioritize sustainability, safety, consumer protection, and local industry
manufacturing, and the food sector. Pertinent guidelines advocate environmentally conscious
cultivation methods and water preservation techniques (OECD, 2019). The culinary landscape
aligns with Islamic dietary laws through the stringent requisites of Halal certification, an
The UAE's unemployment rate in 2022 was 2.75% (O'Neill, 2023). Accordingly, the low
unemployment rate is coupled with no income tax to increase the populace's disposable income
reaching a reported $2000 (Hjazeen et al, 2021; Abbas, 2023). These factors demonstrate the
Project Name: Nawah Date-seed Date: 20 Aug 23 Per Year in Total Cost in
coffee USD USD (5 Years)
Work Breakdown Structure
Categories (All costs in USD)
1. Initial Investment (One-time cost
for setting up manufacturing
facility, equipment, and inventory) $500,000 - $500,000
2. Operating Costs
2.1 Employee Salaries and Benefits
(To hire and retain skilled workers in $200,00 $1,000,00
the manufacturing and sales teams) 0 0
2.2 Raw Materials and Supplies $150,00 $75,000
0
2.3 Rent and Utilities $60,000 $300,000
2.4 Research and Development $30,000 $150,000
2.5 Marketing and Influencer $80,000 $400,000
Collaborations
2.6 Packaging and Labelling $20,000 $100,000
2.7 Transportations and Logistics $30,000 $150,000
2.8 Regulatory and Licensing Fees $10,000 - $10,000
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(One-time cost for necessary permits
and licenses)
Total $2,185,00
0
3. Sales Revenue (Locally in the
UAE)
Year 1 $100,000
Year 2 $200,000
Year 3 $350,000
Year 4 $460,000
Year 5 $550,000
Total $1,660,00
0
Conclusion
take advantage of the opportunities presented by the market's complex economic, regulatory,
and cultural landscape. Our business plan is built on the solid foundation of the UAE's robust
GDP growth and stable inflation dynamics. Accordingly, we intend to track exchange rates
closely and employ forward contracts to skillfully navigate the intricate currency landscape.
The UAE's tax framework and its focus on sustainability and industry standards align
harmoniously with our ethos. By adhering to local regulations and tapping into the principles of
environmental consciousness and Halal certification, we ensure that our path is integrity and
cultural integration. Our venture into the UAE market is also informed by the dynamics of
Nawah's journey within the UAE's economic and cultural milieu signifies a pursuit that is
not merely commercial but one of alignment and resonance. Through financial acumen, ethical
adherence, and cultural sensitivity, we will navigate this course with determination and
contribute to both the market, environment, and the local fabric of consumers in a meaningful
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