Skip to main content
Log in

A marketing approach to agar

  • Published:
Journal of Applied Phycology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Agar has, with the exception of certain retail markets in the Far East, specifically Japan, traditionally been sold to the industrial user. Small quantities are consumed in Islamic countries during Ramadan and in the Germanic countries as a food thickener and a laxative. However, outside of Japan, no significant marketing effort has ever been undertaken with a view to increase the demand for agar by consumers.

A marketing plan is suggested to change this situation. All possible uses for agar by the consumer have been identified and studied. The special features of the product, together with certain packaging, are highlighted. Potential markets for these features are identified. Strategies for the development of these markets have been developed. The overall plan is now in a state of final review and just prior to implementation. The product launch should generate a significant consumer awareness which will translate into demand, thereby increasing the market for agar in various forms, formulations and packagings.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Chapman VJ, Chapman DJ (1980) Seaweds and their Uses. Chapman and Hall, New York, 190–193.

    Google Scholar 

  • Glicksman M (1987) Utilisation of Seaweed by Hydrocolloids in the Food Industry. Proc. Int. Seaweed Symposium 12: 31–47.

    Google Scholar 

  • International Trade Centre UNCTAD/GATT (1981) Pilot Survey of the World Seaweed Industry and Trade. Geneva: 27–29.

  • McHugh DJ, Lanier BV (1983) The World Seaweed Industry and Trade. Joint ABD/FAO (SCSP. Infofish) Market Studies, Vol. 6, Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations. Manila: 1–8.

  • Lucas GHG (1986) The Task of Marketing Management. JL van Schaik, Pretoria.

    Google Scholar 

  • Luck DJ, Ferrell OC (1989) Marketing Strategy and Plans. Prentice-Hall Inc., Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.

    Google Scholar 

  • New Products Laboratory (NPL) (1988a) Proposal for Phases Two and Three for the Development of Agar Market Opportunities in South Africa. Johannesburg: 1–10.

  • New Products Laboratory (NPL) (1988b) Project Review 6 for Phase Two Developments of Agar Market Opportunities in South Africa. Johannesburg: 1–6.

  • South China Sea Fisheries Development and Co-Ordinating Programme (1983) Vol. 6. The World Seaweed Industry and Trade. Manila: 5–8.

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Additional information

Author for Correspondence

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Becker, K.J., Rotmann, K.W.G. A marketing approach to agar. J Appl Phycol 2, 105–110 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00023371

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00023371

Key words

Navigation