Exploring the growth potential of a small local dairy food producing company in Finnish Lapland : a case study of Arctic Ice Cream Factory
Füllmich, Denise (2025)
2025
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025053118844
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025053118844
Tiivistelmä
The thesis is a case study of Arctic Ice Cream Factory, a small dairy food producing company in Finnish Lapland. The objective was to explore the growth potential of the company and to give recommendations for a growth strategy. Information on the case company´s initial point for growth was gained through a thorough analysis of its internal and external environment. Moreover, the role of digitalisation in the growth process was investigated and an overview of digital tools to enhance business growth and extend reachability were presented.
The theoretical framework was built by familiarizing with literature on small business marketing environment, growth strategies for small businesses, growth hacking and networking. Information regarding food tourism and local networks in Finnish Lapland was gathered primarily through project reports, scientific articles and webpages.
The research data were collected utilizing interview and a questionnaire. The interview was conducted with the case company owner and the questionnaire has been sent to the company´s B2B customers. The interview was semi-structured, and the questionnaire did contain open-ended questions. The company´s existing situation was elaborated, using SWOT analysis, business model- and customer value proposition canvas as well as the DigiMaturity tool.
As a result of the thesis work, product extension is suggested as growth strategy for Arctic Ice Cream Factory, concentrating on tourism as existing key market and taking advantage of its loyal customer base. Geographical expansion should be considered in a second step, after new products have been launched. Some digital growth hacking strategies such as social media marketing, an optimized website, referral marketing, and digital products can support the business growth strategy and extend reachability.
The theoretical framework was built by familiarizing with literature on small business marketing environment, growth strategies for small businesses, growth hacking and networking. Information regarding food tourism and local networks in Finnish Lapland was gathered primarily through project reports, scientific articles and webpages.
The research data were collected utilizing interview and a questionnaire. The interview was conducted with the case company owner and the questionnaire has been sent to the company´s B2B customers. The interview was semi-structured, and the questionnaire did contain open-ended questions. The company´s existing situation was elaborated, using SWOT analysis, business model- and customer value proposition canvas as well as the DigiMaturity tool.
As a result of the thesis work, product extension is suggested as growth strategy for Arctic Ice Cream Factory, concentrating on tourism as existing key market and taking advantage of its loyal customer base. Geographical expansion should be considered in a second step, after new products have been launched. Some digital growth hacking strategies such as social media marketing, an optimized website, referral marketing, and digital products can support the business growth strategy and extend reachability.