The Business Operation Model of German Beer Brand Krombacher

Authors

  • Yihan Bi College of International Education, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71222/07rpma22

Keywords:

pricing strategy, brand positioning, beer market, competitive pricing, market adaptation

Abstract

The present study focuses on exploring how Krombacher, a renowned German beer brand with a long history, maintains competitiveness in the fiercely competitive global beer market through its pricing strategies. The investigation of core research questions related to brand value reflection, target market price sensitivity, cost structure, market trends, and competitor behaviours enables analysis of the brand's integrated adoption of value pricing, differentiated pricing, competitive pricing, and customer-oriented pricing. The study examines the alignment of these strategies with Krombacher's premium brand positioning, which targets quality-conscious middle-to-upper consumers, and their adaptability to diverse market conditions across regions. Moreover, the study appraises the impact of price fluctuations on sales volume, market share, and brand image, whilst also examining the brand's pricing adjustments in response to external factors such as cost escalations and exchange rate fluctuations. Utilising a multifaceted approach encompassing SWOT analysis and meticulous market-specific strategy assessments, the research findings indicate that Krombacher's adaptable pricing strategies, underpinned by a commitment to value and market-driven principles, are instrumental in sustaining brand value, expanding market reach, and ensuring long-term profitability. The study further contextualises these findings within the broader framework of international brand management theory, demonstrating how a heritage European brand can leverage strategic pricing to navigate the complexities of global market expansion. Finally, recommendations for future pricing optimisation are proposed, including digital transformation, sustainability integration, and personalised product development, offering actionable insights for practitioners in the international beverage industry.

References

1. N. Amjady, "Short-term hourly load forecasting using time-series modeling with peak load estimation capability," IEEE Transactions on Power Systems, vol. 16, no. 3, pp. 498–505, 2001.

2. S. C. Choi, W. S. DeSarbo, and P. T. Harker, "Product positioning under price competition," Management Science, vol. 36, no. 2, pp. 175–199, 1990.

3. J. R. Hauser, "Note—Competitive price and positioning strategies," Marketing Science, vol. 7, no. 1, pp. 76–91, 1988.

4. N. F. Piercy, D. W. Cravens, and N. Lane, "Thinking strategically about pricing decisions," Journal of Business Strategy, vol. 31, no. 5, pp. 38–48, 2010.

5. A. Kalra and R. C. Goodstein, "The impact of advertising positioning strategies on consumer price sensitivity," Journal of Marketing Research, vol. 35, no. 2, pp. 210–224, 1998.

6. C. Blankson, "Positioning a brand," in The Routledge Companion to Contemporary Brand Management, pp. 164–185, Routledge, 2016.

7. Y. L. Hrinchenko, Y. V. Robul, and L. M. Zalyubinska, "Development of price strategies to support brand positioning: strategic issues for marketing policies," 2018.

8. Y. Jeong and M. Maruyama, "Positioning and pricing strategies in a market with switching costs and staying costs," Information Economics and Policy, vol. 44, pp. 47–57, 2018.

9. N. S. Davcik and P. Sharma, "Impact of product differentiation, marketing investments and brand equity on pricing strategies: A brand level investigation," European Journal of Marketing, vol. 49, no. 5–6, pp. 760–781, 2015.

10. R. Kurniawan, M. H. M. Saudi, and Z. R. Wijaya, "The Influence of Brand Equity and STP Towards Pricing Strategy and the Impact on Decision Making," International Journal of Engineering & Technology, vol. 7, no. 4.34, pp. 318–326, 2018.

11. R. Obasi and L. Amadi, "Brand price positioning strategy and sales turnover of food and beverage manufacturing companies in Rivers State Nigeria," Int. J. Social Science Humanities Research, vol. 5, no. 01, pp. 36–49, 2022.

12. T. Kullolli, "The Impact of Pricing on Brand Equity and Market Positioning," in *The Membership of Bulgaria in the European Union: Sixteen Years Later: Papers Presented in English Language*, pp. 169–178, 2024.

13. G. C. Hadjinicola, "Product positioning and pricing under production cost considerations," Decision Sciences, vol. 30, no. 3, pp. 849–864, 1999.

Downloads

Published

30 June 2026

How to Cite

Bi, Y. (2026). The Business Operation Model of German Beer Brand Krombacher. Pinnacle Academic Press Proceedings Series, 10, 397-407. https://doi.org/10.71222/07rpma22