Please help me comment on this discussion regarding the following topic: Your company, a white goods manufacturer (primarily major kitchen appliances) based in the U.S. has decided to pursue international expansion opportunities in sub-Saharan Africa. In order to achieve economies of scale, your strategy is to limit local adaptation. Choose 2 sub-Saharan countries, prepare an executive summary that features aspects of the product where standardization will simply not be possible and adaptation to local customs will be essential

It's impossible to talk about adaptation without mentioning standardization; the two go hand in hand. They both represent ways to sell products overseas. Adaptation refers to the modification of a product to meet local constraints and customs. However, standardization does not modify the products or change the marketing approach. Every day, the world is getting smaller, especially for small and medium-sized businesses, which is why economies of scale are so crucial. When production becomes efficient and products are standardized, companies can gain economies of scale.

My company has chosen to pursue expansion globally in Seychelles and Mauritius, located in Sub-Saharan Africa. There are unique cuisines in every country. Since Seychelles is located near the Indian Ocean, fish plays an important role in its cuisine. Known as Creole or Seychellois cuisine, it combines French, Chinese, and Indian flavors with ginger, lemongrass, coriander, and tamarind spices. White goods will have vastly different kitchen appliances for the US and Seychelles. Furthermore, the company must consider how food is stored and how rules and regulations will affect the disturbing of appliances.

The White Goods manufacturer must adapt to local customs if they want to achieve a comparative advantage in Sub-Saharan Africa. As mentioned, most of the foods available in Seychelles come from the Indian Ocean, so the company needs to get a clear picture of how food is prepared and eaten. For Mauritius, the food located here is unique to the island and is a combination of native Africa, French, Chinese, and Indian. In Mauritius, the locals love the readily available street food so White Goods should try to capitalize and incorporate appliances for fast foods. If the company taps into the local customers delicacies successfully, the company can benefit.