Lorillard
Fields
- Author
- Smith, R.E.
- Date Loaded
- 05 Jun 1998
- Type
- MEMO, MEMORANDUM
- Alias
- 03363789/03363791
- Area
- FTC FILES
- Document File
- 03363748/03363883/Prod. Dev Committee
- Named Organization
- Mca, Marketing Corporation of America
- Will Graham
- Site
- N9
- Master ID
- 03363748/3811
- 03363748-3749 Pdc Meeting
- 03363750-3751
- 03363752-3753 Pdc Meeting 790111 Project Status Report
- 03363754-3757 Brand Product Requirements
- 03363758-3760
- 03363762 Giving the Customer More for His Money
- 03363766-3770
- 03363771-3776
- 03363782-3787 Pdc Meeting Nyo
- 03363788
- 03363792-3794
- 03363795
- 03363796
- 03363797-3798
- 03363799-3801
- 03363802 New Brand Status
- 03363803 Established Brands Status
- 03363804-3805 Pdc Meeting 780822 Project Status Report
- 03363806-3807 Pdc Meeting Comment and Summary of Research Activities
- 03363808-3810 Consumer Test Results
Related Documents:
Document Images
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n-1EMORANUUM
TO: Messrs. Tom Jones
Dr. Fred Schultz
Ben Vila - MCA
FROM: Richard E. Smith
November 11, 1977
-------------------------------------------------------------
This will summarize areas of concentration and planned action _
steps on new product work beyond EF I (Bounty); the result of
our 11/10 meeting in N.Y.C. (These thoughts of course, build -
on prior thinking; most especially the 5 Year Plan.) When
we're all happy with this memo, it will become a joint
recommendation for Dr. Spears, Mr. Ave's information; suggestions
and approval.
We agreed to concentrate new product development work and
thinking into,three areas; described below in order of
probable importance, tangibility and market entry.
1. Enriched Flavor II - An entry into the Very Low Tar segment
(roughly 5-10 mg, tar) with taste characteristics comparable
to Marlboro 85 - This, of course, is a direct extension
of our strategy to get dramatically better taste and
satisfaction relative-to T&N levels. EF II occupies the
high taste side of our "Bracket" on the Very Low Tar
category; the category projected to grow fastest by
1981 (+84B units).
2. New Flavor or Sensation - The menthol analogy, and high
trial rates for Lemon Twist suggest good potential
consumer receptivity for the right alternative. Addition-
ally there is a need (and perhaps an opportunity) to
mask the lower taste and impact of reduced T&N cigarettes.
3. Identification of Additional, Important, Unfilled
Consumer Needs - Most of our thinking was "Discovered"
two or tlir.ce year.s :igo whon reduced t,-ir brands had a 152,
share, vs. 26% during the lst half of this=year. We need
to be sure we're not overlooking a new or emerging opportunity.
For each of thc!se concentration areas here are the steps
we agreed to make, and rough timings on each.
:
t

Mes.sr. s. Jones -2- November 11, 1977
Dr. Schultz
Vila
EF II
1. During January, 1978 Marketing and MCA will develop and
clear with top management a business, marketing, product
description summary.
2, In February, 1978 serious product development work will
begin. (As this moves forward new technologies will
be used if available.)
3. Also during February, 1978 we will start serious
marketing development. This will include the assignment
of both an agency and package designer.
4. Our target is to enter market test by 10/78. (This allows
us 3 months more lead time than we anticipate using for
Bounty. )
New Flavor or•Sensation
1. By February, 1978 R&D will have developed a reduced tar
lemon flavored prototype, and perhaps another reduced tar
fresh tasting or sensation prototype (Mint?).
2. Also by February, 1978 MCA will have completed a marketing
analysis of flavor popularity in comparable product categor-
ies, and R&D will have begun a review of available flavor
and sensation agents. Either of these investigations could
lead to the development of further prototypes.
3. During February, 1978 we will get both expert and consumer
reaction to at least the lemon flavored prototype. Initial
consumer reactions will be in Focus Groups where we will seek
both marketing and product development leads.
4. We envision following a step-by-step, building pattern to
finally reach the right alternative. Market entry is not
anti.cip,~tod heCorc 1979. However wo plan to formally review
progress with top management in June, 1978; with a recommend-
ation to proceed or discontinue work - based on progress
to date.
03363'790

4W
Messrs. Jones -3- November 11, 1977
Dr. Schultz
Vila
Additional Needs
1. One thrust of activity will be to confirm or reject
several areas that have excited mixed interest to date.
a. By 12/77 MCA will have completed an analysis of Lorillard's
business opportunity if we could offer an acceptable
alternative to cigarette smoking; eg. a socially
acceptable chewing tobacco. Based on this review,
marketing (with R&D) will recommend for active R&D
involvement on this project, or table the subject.
b. By 2/78 marketing will have analyzed available consumer
information and competitive experience with reduction
of gas phase components (CO, HCN, etc.; the allegedly
harmful ingredients beyond T&N). Based on this analysis
we will either continue new product focused investigations
(Step #3, below), or just continue our ongoing corporate
product development programs.
2. Also we will seek new ideas.
a. We will ask each agency to review any new product ideas
they have with the four of us. Our goal is to discuss
any ideas that may have occurred over the last several
years. As discussed, the Will Graham Co. suggested this
approach and has some ideas.
b. By February, 1978 MCA will have analyzed the 4-9/77
Switching Study data for additional smoker needs.
3. During March, 1977 we will conduct 9 Focus Group sessi.ons,
among past two year switchers into each of the 3 categories
under 15 mg. tar. We will seek both further dimension
on ideas from Steps #1 and #2 (above), and completely
new ideas, If any idea looks like an important need, we
will move to quantify our Focus Group based feelings.
And if confirmed quantitatively we'll have a new project to
work, If we don't get both qualitative and quantitative
support, we will table the project with a view toward
repeating the process after 24-36 months.
Could I have your reactions
to all this by Tuesday, 11/15.
c h
03363'791
/ar
