Ozeki's Ambidextrous Strategy - Deepening Core, Exploring New Markets

This examines the ambidextrous management strategy employed by the 300-year-old sake manufacturer, Ozeki, as it seeks to move beyond its reliance on the classic "One Cup Ozeki" product. This approach, known as ambidextrous strategy, involves simultaneously pursuing "deepening" (refining existing products like One Cup) and "exploring" (developing innovative new products for different markets). It explains that deepening focuses on maintaining quality and efficiency for current customers, while exploring involves creating novel offerings, such as frozen sake cocktails and low-alcohol sparkling varieties, to appeal to younger consumers. Ozeki's success hinges on leveraging existing assets like brewing technology and distribution networks for new ventures, ensuring executive support for exploratory initiatives, and maintaining a common corporate identity across both strategies.