Devil's Peak: The craft conundrum

Abstract

Subject area of the teaching case:

The case can be used in the subject area of strategy particularly with a focus on emerging markets.

Student level:

This case is aimed at use in MBA- or Masters-level courses, or executive education programmes in strategy, entrepreneurship or business modelling. It will also provide insights into small to medium enterprises operating in emerging markets.

Brief overview of the teaching case:

Devil's Peak is the largest craft beer brewer in South Africa. This case provides context to the craft beer market in South Africa, a highly fragmented and diverse yet dynamic market. The case further explores the business strategy behind Devil's Peak's success, the importance of strategic decisions, growth decisions, and product portfolio selections' impact on business strategy. Devil's Peak experienced rapid growth phases that have come with various trials and tribulations and the case explores the issues and decisions around rapid growth businesses.

Expected learning outcomes:

• – To analyse a market before entering it using Porter's Five Forces or other tools.

• – To assess, as well as understand, the complexities and issues arising from rapid growth in entrepreneurial operations.

• – To evaluate different growth strategies — organic growth versus inorganic growth, like acquired growth.

• – To make product portfolio selection decisions and the strategic importance of which products to invest in and grow, using tools like the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) growth-share matrix or other tools.

Citation

Harrington, G. and Samuelsson, M. (2021), "Devil's Peak: The craft conundrum", . https://doi.org/10.1108/CASEUCT-2020-000005