Internationalization of Finnish spring and natural bottled water companies
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School of Business |
Bachelor's thesis
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Date
2024
Department
Major/Subject
Mcode
Degree programme
(Mikkeli) Bachelor’s Program in International Business
Language
en
Pages
79+1
Series
Abstract
This study focused on the internationalization of the Finnish bottled water industry, the companies operating in it, the different strategies that have been used, the challenges and opportunities influencing internationalization, and the required steps to take toward internationalization. The research stemmed from the historical challenges and misfortunes Finnish bottled water SMEs have faced in internationalization. The objective was to produce new information that could help companies internationalize successfully as there is not enough research on this topic and new information is important for the industry’s SMEs. The thesis answered the research questions of; strategies used by Finnish bottled water companies in their endeavors to expand to international markets, challenges and opportunities in the internationalization of Finnish bottled water companies, and actions and measures required to internationalize Finnish bottled water industry and its companies successfully. To conceptualize the factors affecting the internationalization of bottled water SMEs, a literature review was written, and a conceptual framework was constructed. The research approach was primarily inductive. The empirical data consisted of four interviews conducted with representatives in the Finnish bottled water industry. The key findings of this study highlight the importance and implications of financial constraints, choosing a market entry strategy, selecting partners, aligning company culturally through branding, and conducting thorough market research for international expansion. Findings also identified the challenges and opportunities associated with internationalization such as fierce competition, growing demands of bottled water, strategic flexibility, and strengthening networks internationally to successfully internationalize. This study provided new knowledge and understanding on the internationalization of SMEs for Finnish companies in the bottled water industry.Description
Thesis advisor
Dellestrand, HenrikKeywords
SMEs, SME internationalization, bottled water industry, export, entry strategies