Chapter 1
Chapter 1
In today's competitive business landscape, companies are not only judged by their financial
performance but also by their ability to adapt and thrive within their business environment. This
applied business environment report focuses on Cocoon Vietnam, a Vietnamese brand known for its
ethical beauty practices that has become a symbol of conscious consumption. The report analyses
industry trends, and consumer behaviour. It also explores strategic initiatives like sustainable
sourcing, community engagement, and digital marketing. The report provides recommendations for
Cocoon Vietnam to enhance its competitive advantage, capitalise on emerging trends, and sustain
1. Task 1
In 2013, young Vietnamese beauty care enthusiasts created the first vegan product line, Cocoon,
known for its natural, benign products. The brand gained attention in the market due to its
innovative packaging and humane messages. Despite fierce competition, Cocoon conquers
customers with its beautiful stories and strict commitment to ingredient safety. Cocoon, derived
from the Vietnamese word "cocoon," is a concept aiming to beautify Vietnamese skin and hair
using 100% vegan cosmetic products. The company focuses on preserving the nutrients of
Vietnamese plants, using safe, benign ingredients, and rejecting animal testing. As society
advances, vegan cosmetics are becoming popular, and Cocoon is committed to researching and
continuously producing 100% vegan cosmetics products that retain the nutrients of Vietnamese
plants, are safe and benign, and do not use animal-based ingredients. The logo represents
incubation, nurturing, and beauty, with a cocoon shape symbolizing incubation and nurturing. A
flower shape symbolizes freshness and purity, while a green colour signifies life, development, and
environmental friendliness. The capital letter C represents the word cocoon and the first letter of
cruelty-free, meaning not tested on animals. Bringing Vietnamese people healthy, youthful, and
vibrant skin and hair from simple and familiar ingredients that you eat every day. Protect the ethical
beauty of Vietnam by not using animal ingredients and saying no to animal testing. Applying the
benefits of the foods around us combined with scientific understanding to create cosmetic products
that are safe and effective for everyone. Avoid animal-based cosmetic ingredients like honey,
beeswax, and silk, opt for cocoon and maximize active ingredients and plant extracts' capabilities.
Using natural and vegan ingredients from typical regions of Vietnam, such as Dak Lak coffee, Ben
Tre coconut, Tien Giang cocoa butter, Cao Bang rose, grapefruit, pennywort, squash,... The
company promotes ethical beauty in Vietnam by avoiding animal-based ingredients and testing,
ensuring safe, effective products for Vietnamese skin, and developing new products based on
endemic fruits using modern extraction technology. Short-term goal: Cocoon, a pioneer in the
vegan cosmetics market, aims to become Vietnam's most popular brand, prioritizing customer
satisfaction in all its activities. Long-term goal: Cocoon aims to become the leading vegan
cosmetics brand in Southeast Asia, while also raising environmental and animal awareness about
the benefits of nature-friendly cosmetics. Cocoon products are vegan cosmetics without animal
ingredients and are not tested on animals. They include skin, hair, bath, body, and lip care lines,
using natural Vietnamese ingredients like squash, roses, and turmeric. They are certified by
international organizations like Leaping Bunny and PETA. This brand's product portfolio resembles
a map of typical products from each country's region. Cocoon sources raw materials from
agricultural factories and follows the CGMP criteria of the Ministry of Health, ensuring a
Focus on the Vegan Market: Cocoon can concentrate on creating and selling cosmetic products free
from animal ingredients, catering to consumers who value environmentally friendly alternatives.
Certified Vegan and Sustainable: Cocoon may make efforts to ensure that its products meet vegan
Promote Your Brand as a Vegan Option: Cocoon can build an advertising strategy that emphasizes
the vegan nature of the product, targeting customers interested in a vegan and sustainable lifestyle.
Gamble on the Vegan Trend: Be able to compete in the growing vegan cosmetics industry, with
Vegan Research and Development: Cocoon can invest in research and development to create new
CEO: Overall management of the company's operations, devising business strategies, coordinating
Chief Accountant: Responsible for the quality and timeliness of financial reports, supervising and
Accounting staff: Perform accounting operations, account for revenues and expenditures, prepare
Production department: responsible for processing, packaging, and checking the quality of
Production Manager: Manage and coordinate production activities, plan production, control quality,
Production staff: Participate in production stages, such as raw material processing, packaging,
Sales department: responsible for sales, distribution, and warehouse management of Cocoon
Sales Manager: Make business plans, set sales goals, allocate resources, monitor and evaluate
Sales staff: Approach and advise customers, carry out sales transactions, monitor and resolve
Marketing department: responsible for market research, marketing strategy development, branding,
with relevant parties, such as the sales department, production department, external partners,
Marketing staff: Perform marketing tasks, such as market research, data analysis, design and
produce marketing content, manage communication channels, such as website, social, email, events,
Head of human resources administration department: Plan and implement human resources policies,
such as recruitment, training, evaluation, rewards and punishments, welfare regimes, managing
schedules, organizing activities internal dynamics, ensuring security and working environment
Legal structure
Cocoon Cosmetics Company, a brand of Nature Story Co., Ltd., was established in Vietnam in
2013. As a private enterprise, it specializes in manufacturing and trading cosmetics. With a charter
capital of 10 billion VND, the company has two shareholders, Mr. Nguyen Van A and Ms. Tran Thi
Nature Story Co., Ltd. operates a 5000 m2 factory in Ho Chi Minh City, equipped with modern
equipment. The company has branches, representative offices, and nationwide distribution systems,
PESTLE analysis
A fundamental framework in management studies, the PESTLE model aids in understanding the
factors influencing organisational performance and initiatives. Through an analysis of the intricate
issues and how they affect the operation of the organisation, this research seeks to comprehend
1. Political factors
Political factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement
(EVFTA), can have both positive and negative impacts on Cocoon Vietnam. The COVID-19
pandemic has provided the Vietnamese government with measures to support industries affected by
the pandemic, such as the cosmetics industry (Rahman, M, 2023). These policies can help Cocoon
Vietnam maintain its cash flow, invest in research and development, and expand its distribution
channels.
The EVFTA has eliminated 90% of tariffs on Vietnamese exports to the EU, creating more
opportunities for the cosmetics industry to grow and export (Rahman, M, 2023). Cocoon Vietnam
can leverage its vegan and cruelty-free brand identity to gain more market share in the EU. The
development of the legal system and rule of law in Vietnam has improved its legal environment,
creating a more secure environment for Cocoon Vietnam to operate and grow.
However, the human rights situation in Vietnam is poor, with restrictions on freedom of expression,
association, and peaceful public assembly. The government controls media and censors posts on
social media and personal blogs, which can pose challenges for Cocoon Vietnam in communicating
Corruption is also a problem in Vietnam, with evolving regulatory regimes and commercial law
often leading to a lack of transparency, uniformity, and consistency in government policies and
decisions on commercial projects. This can cause difficulties and costs for Cocoon Vietnam in
obtaining licences, permits, and approvals for its operations and dealing with bureaucracy and red
tape.
2. Economics factors
Economic factors play a crucial role in shaping the business environment and performance of a
company. Some positive impacts on Cocoon Vietnam include GDP growth, stable exchange rates,
low inflation, and competition in the cosmetics market. The country's GDP in 2020 was among the
highest globally, reflecting its resilience and potential ( Lê Thị Mai Anh, 2023). According to the
World Bank Group, the government has implemented measures to contain the COVID-19 pandemic
and support recovery efforts, benefiting Cocoon Vietnam from strong domestic demand and the
The stable currency of the dong (VND) is managed by the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV), which
helps maintain the balance of payments and prevent excessive fluctuations ( Lê Thị Mai Anh,
2023). This stable exchange rate can help Cocoon Vietnam plan production and pricing strategies
effectively and enhance its competitiveness and profitability. The market is highly competitive, with
many domestic and foreign brands vying for market share. Cocoon Vietnam must differentiate itself
by offering natural, vegan, and cruelty-free products suitable for the Vietnamese skin and climate.
However, economic fluctuations and uncertainties can create difficulties and risks for Cocoon
Vietnam in terms of profitability and competitiveness ( Lê Thị Mai Anh, 2023). External shocks
and domestic instability can reduce export revenues and foreign exchange earnings, while the
COVID-19 pandemic has increased the inflation rate, reaching 3.54% in June 2023. These
fluctuations can also make it harder to forecast and control cash flow, expenses, and profits.
Economic regulations and policies, such as the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), can
create opportunities for Cocoon Vietnam, such as reducing trade barriers and increasing market
access. However, they can also create difficulties and costs, such as updating products and
processes to meet legal requirements and dealing with bureaucracy in obtaining licences, permits,
and approvals.
Lastly, Cocoon Vietnam may face threats of substitution and imitation from other brands offering
similar or substitute products at lower prices and higher quality. These brands can erode Cocoon
Vietnam's market share and brand loyalty by offering cheaper or similar products. To maintain and
improve product quality and innovation, Cocoon Vietnam must invest more in research and
3. Social factors
Social factors play a significant role in shaping the values, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviours of
society. Some positive impacts on Cocoon Vietnam include the growing trend of using vegan
cosmetics, which are considered more natural, organic, and cruelty-free than conventional
cosmetics. Cocoon Vietnam is one of the first Vietnamese brands to cater to this trend by offering
100% vegan cosmetic products made from natural ingredients from various provinces of Vietnam.
The rise of social media and online platforms has also created opportunities for Cocoon Vietnam to
communicate and promote its brand and products to the public ( Hùng, V. N.,2023). The company
has an active presence on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, where it posts news, information,
promotions, reviews, and tutorials about its products(Busch, M., et al, 2017). Cocoon Vietnam also
cooperates with online platforms like Lazada, Shopee, and Watsons to distribute and sell its
products online.
However, there are also negative impacts on Cocoon Vietnam. Many Vietnamese consumers lack
education and awareness about the benefits and advantages of vegan cosmetics over conventional
ones (Đình Thái Trương,n.d). They are often influenced by international brands, particularly those
from South Korea, Japan, and France, which dominate the Vietnamese cosmetics market.
Additionally, many consumers may be sceptical or indifferent about the claims of domestic brands,
leading to challenges in educating and raising consumer awareness about the value and difference
of its products.
Last but not least, Vietnam's diverse customer base in terms of culture and geography captures the
tastes and customs of many locales. It is challenging for Cocoon Vietnam to modify and tailor its
goods and tactics to meet the varied demands and expectations of consumers across different areas
concerning cosmetics.
4. Technological factors
Technological factors play a significant role in the business activities and performance of a
company. Some positive impacts of technological factors on Cocoon Vietnam include the rise of
social media and online platforms, which have become an integral part of daily life and
communication for the Vietnamese people. These platforms provide opportunities for Cocoon
Green technology and innovation are also developing ( Ha. N. et al, 2022), helping Cocoon
Vietnam improve product quality, efficiency, and reduce environmental impact. The company uses
natural ingredients from various provinces of Vietnam, such as Dak Lak coffee, Tien Giang
avocado, or Cao Bang roses, grown organically and ethically without pesticides or chemicals.
Cocoon Vietnam invests in research and development to create new, innovative products that meet
Nevertheless, in terms of online business and data safety, Cocoon Vietnam faces risks and hurdles
due to the cyber security law, which went into force in January 2019 (Rahman, 2023). This law
mandates that foreign service providers create offices and servers in Vietnam, keep user data
locally, filter postings within 24 hours, and give information to the government.
The highly competitive and fragmented cosmetics market in Vietnam is dominated by international
brands, particularly from South Korea, Japan, and France, which account for over 90% of the
market share. These brands have more resources, reputation, and influence, as well as advanced
technology and innovation capabilities (The Missing Middle: A Political Economy of Economic
Restructuring in Vietnam, n.d.), which can erode Cocoon Vietnam's market share and brand loyalty.
To maintain and improve product quality and differentiation, Cocoon Vietnam may need to invest
5. Legal factors
Legal factors play a crucial role in governing a company's business activities and transactions. The
EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) has provided opportunities for the cosmetics industry
to grow and export, as it eliminates 90% of tariffs on Vietnamese exports to the EU. This can
benefit Cocoon Vietnam by using natural ingredients from different provinces of Vietnam, such as
Dak Lak coffee, Tien Giang avocado, and Cao Bang roses.
The development of the legal system in Vietnam has improved its rule of law, creating a more
secure environment for Cocoon Vietnam to operate and grow. The Law on Enterprises and the Law
on Investment have simplified procedures and conditions for establishing and operating businesses,
while the Law on Intellectual Property strengthens the legal framework for protecting trademarks,
patents, and trade secrets. The Law on Trade Union clarifies the roles and responsibilities of trade
Nonetheless, Cocoon Vietnam continues to face difficulties due to the intricate and inconsistent
legal structure in Vietnam and its application. There are often overlaps, conflicts, gaps, and
ambiguities in the legal provisions, leading to confusion and uncertainty for businesses and the
public. Additionally, discrepancies and delays in the enforcement and application of laws by
authorities and courts, as well as a lack of effective mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating legal
6. Environmental factors
Environmental factors play a significant role in the business environment and performance of a
company. Some positive impacts of environmental factors include the availability and diversity of
natural resources in Vietnam, which can provide raw materials for the cosmetics industry. Cocoon
Vietnam can benefit from these resources by using natural ingredients grown organically and
ethically without pesticides or chemicals. Green technology and innovation are also being adopted
to improve product quality and efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and reduce costs.
However, climate change has negative impacts on the natural resources and consumers that Cocoon
Vietnam relies on. Extreme weather events can damage crops and plants, affecting the health and
well-being of consumers. Cocoon Vietnam may have to adapt and mitigate the effects of climate
change, such as securing and diversifying raw material sources, ensuring product quality and safety,
Vietnam faces environmental issues such as land degradation, forest degradation, loss of
biodiversity, water pollution, air pollution, and solid waste management. These issues can affect the
availability and quality of natural resources and consumers, reducing soil fertility, habitat, and
biodiversity. Compliance with environmental regulations and policies, such as the Law on
Environmental Protection (2020), the Law on Biodiversity (2008), the Law on Forest Protection and
Development (2017), and the Law on Water Resources (2012), can create opportunities and benefits
for Cocoon Vietnam, such as enhancing its environmental responsibility and reputation while
reducing risks and liabilities. However, they can also create difficulties and costs for Cocoon
Vietnam, such as requiring compliance with environmental standards and requirements and
3. Task 3
Vietnam's cosmetics sector is fiercely competitive, with several companies fighting for consumers'
loyalty and market share. Government regulations, external influences, and shifting consumer
behaviour present possibilities as well as dangers for Cocoon Vietnam. To evaluate the performance
and profitability of the company in an ever-changing industry, this task will undertake a SWOT
1. SWOT analysis
Strengths Weaknesses
- The first Vietnamese cosmetic brand to be certified - The low level of education and
by Leaping Bunny and PETA as vegan and cruelty- awareness among consumers about the
- The active presence and cooperation on social legal system and the implementation of
- The demand for natural and vegan cosmetics - The climate change and its effects on the natural
the environmental and ethical impacts of their - The environmental issues and regulations in Vietnam
- The substitution and imitation from other brands that
choices.
offer similar or substitute products
-The sustainable and respectful ecosystem
- Consumers are becoming more demanding and
of Cocoon inspires positive emotions and
discerning, expecting more value and benefits from
values for consumers, who want to
the products they use. They still have a preference
contribute to the protection of animals and
for foreign goods, as they perceive them as more
nature.
prestigious and reliable.
- The elimination of 90% of tariffs on Vietnamese
- The economic fluctuations and uncertainties due to
exports to the EU by the EVFTA
the COVID-19 pandemic and other external shocks.
- The domestic cosmetic market is growing, as
innovation.
Cocoon VietNam operates in a highly competitive and fragmented industry, with many rivals
offering similar or substitute products. The competition is based on factors such as price, quality,
variety, innovation, distribution, promotion, and customer service. Cocoon VietNam may have a
competitive advantage in terms of its vegan and cruelty-free positioning, but it may also face
pressure from other brands that have lower costs, higher market share, or stronger brand loyalty.
The threat of new entrants into the cosmetic industry is moderate, as there are some barriers to
entry, such as capital investment, regulatory compliance, product development, and market access.
However, there are also some opportunities for new entrants, such as the growing demand for
natural and ethical cosmetics, the availability of online platforms and channels, and the low
switching costs for customers. Cocoon VietNam may face challenges from new entrants that can
Power of suppliers.
The power of suppliers in the cosmetic industry is low, as there are many suppliers of raw materials,
packaging, and other inputs, and they have low bargaining power over the prices or terms of the
contracts. Cocoon VietNam may have some advantages in sourcing its ingredients from local and
organic farms, but it may also face risks of supply shortages, quality issues, or price fluctuations.
Power of customers.
The power of customers in the cosmetic industry is high, as they have many choices of products and
brands, and they have high bargaining power over prices or discounts. Customers are also becoming
more informed, discerning, and demanding, and they can easily compare and switch products based
on their preferences, needs, or feedback. Cocoon VietNam may have some loyal customers who
value its vegan and cruelty-free philosophy, but it may also need to attract and retain more
same or similar functions as cosmetics, such as natural remedies, homemade solutions, or medical
treatments. Customers may also reduce their consumption of cosmetics due to health,
environmental, or ethical concerns, or due to the changes in their lifestyle, habits, or preferences.
Cocoon VietNam may have some differentiation in terms of its vegan and cruelty-free features, but
it may also need to innovate and adapt to the changing customer needs and expectations.
4. Task 4
Cocoon, a natural product company, values good citizenship and social responsibility to its
employees, customers, suppliers, and stakeholders. The company's core values, ethical standards,
and principles are described, along with how it adjusts its management and administrative views to
1. Core values
Among the core values of the natural vegan cosmetics company, Cocoon VietNam are respect
Nature: Cocoon employs natural components like squash, mint, tea tree, coffee, and other
things that Vietnamese people are accustomed to. In its cosmetics, Cocoon does not utilize
Humanity: Cocoon has earned certification from the Leaping Bunny program and PETA for
producing vegan and cruelty-free goods. In addition to protecting the environment and
public health, Cocoon uses inexpensive, readily available chemicals to make Vietnamese
Science: To preserve the greatest possible advantages of the natural ingredients in its
guarantees the efficacy and safety of its products for all users.
2. The ethical standards
Cocoon VietNam is a cosmetic brand that follows the principles of veganism and cruelty-free
-Utilising organic components derived from Vietnamese flora. To make goods that are high in
vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, Cocoon VietNam employs common components that
Vietnamese people often use in their everyday lives, such as squash, mint, tea tree, coffee, and
- Creating items without any dangerous ingredients. Ingredients that might irritate skin or lead to
health issues, such as triclosan, hydroquinone, formaldehyde, phthalates, and parabens, are not used
by Cocoon Vietnam. Additionally, it refreshes the list in accordance with the guidelines set out by
- Committing to no animal testing or cruelty. Cocoon VietNam is the first Vietnamese cosmetic
brand to be approved by the Leaping Bunny programme of Cruelty-Free International and certified
by PETA as a brand that does not test on animals or use animal-derived ingredients². It also
Cocoon VietNam’s corporate social responsibility is manifested in their support for various social
and environmental causes, such as animal welfare, environmental protection, education, health, and
community development:
Giving away small green sprouts, for a green Earth: Cocoon attaches small succulent pots in
each package to encourage customers to take care of the “mini lungs” of the Earth.
Exchange old bottles for new products: Cocoon encourages customers to recycle old bottles
by exchanging them for new products, reducing the amount of plastic waste to the
environment
Cloth bags with Cocoon’s brand and a message to refuse single-use plastic bags: Cocoon
gives customers fashionable and convenient cloth bags, and reminds them to limit the use of
plastic bags
restoring the ecosystem”: Cocoon supports organizing the first environmental seminar and
Cocoon x Animals Asia AAF: Discover the limited edition to protect the bears: Cocoon
contributes to the fund of Animals Asia in Vietnam, to rescue and nurture the bears that are
Cocoon x Suboi: Love Your Nature - Cứ tự nhiên đi: Cocoon collaborated with artist Suboi
to promote love and respect for the natural self, particularly the LGBTQ+ community, with
CHAPTER 3: CONCLUSION
Cocoon, a leading brand in Vietnam, offers high-quality cosmetic products, impressive packaging,
and environmental programs. It is a pioneer in the vegetarian cosmetics trend, improving formulas
and promoting green and animal protection. However, Cocoon faces both opportunities and
challenges in the Vietnamese cosmetics market. The market is growing, with high consumer
demand and a growing vegan trend. Challenges include fierce competition, rapid technological
changes, and difficulty controlling raw material sources and product quality. To survive, Cocoon
must maintain its competitive advantage through differentiation, ethics, sustainability, innovation,
expansion, stakeholder relationships, and community and societal values.