BANGKOK, 7 Nov 2014 – Japanese vehicles, American soft drink Coca Cola, and Korean technology, are among the products that have proved to be most influential in the opinions of Thai consumers, according to the most recent and biggest survey by Faculty of Commerce and Accountancy, Chulalongkorn University.
The poll, which comprised 12,000 consumers aged between 18 and 60 from the capital city and other economically important provinces, collected the respondents’ views about six types of industries: automobile and energy, beverages, food and snacks, household and personal products, chain restaurant and financial services, as well as technology products and services.
Based on brand awareness, preference, usage and brands’ images as the criteria, the respondents said that Toyota, the manufacturer of passenger and commercial vehicles they would think of first. As for motorcycles, Honda was the first brand that came into their mind. Mitchelin was their first choice for tires, while PTT was number 1 with regard to gas stations.
Regarding food and drinks, Mama instant noodles and Three Lady Cooks canned food were found to be their number 1 quick and easy recipes. Lay’s potato chips and Wall ice cream were the most popular snack and dessert. Coca Cola was the most liked carbonated drink. Nescafe, Birdy, Oishi, and M-150 topped the rankings of caffeine drinks. Leo beer was the most known and consumed beverage. Foremost dairy products and Brand’s food supplements were also the most picked ones.
The poll also found that household and personal care products that won the hearts of the respondents were those bearing the trademarks of Nivea, Lux, Sunsilk, Breeze, Colgate, and Laurier. MK hotpot restaurants, Siam Commercial Banks, and AIA were recognized for their large numbers of chains and services. Acer came first among laptop brands. AIS was deemed as the biggest mobile operator, while Korean brand Samsung was viewed as the most influential cellphone and TV sets producer.
Apart from the opinion survey, the pollster also conducted interviews with executives of the above-said producers. Chulalongkorn University said results of the survey were expected to be guidelines on marketing strategy development for those wishing to make their brands successful.