To identify an example of a market development strategy followed by RCC.

The question asks to identify an example of a market development strategy followed by RCC.

• Market development is a growth strategy that identifies and develops new market segments for current products. It involves selling existing products to new customers or in new geographical areas.

Let's analyze the options based on the provided text:

• a. Entering into an agreement with Shoprite Checkers. The text states: "RCC planned to restructure the business model to include economies of scale, and to enter an agreement with Shoprite Checkers. This agreement extended Starbuck into regions and neighbourhoods that would have otherwise not been a viable business option." This clearly indicates reaching new market segments and geographical areas with the existing Starbucks product, which is a market development strategy.
• b. Buying the 12 Starbucks stores from Taste Holdings. This is an acquisition, a way to gain control of existing operations, not necessarily developing new markets.
• c. Restructuring the business model to include economies of scale. This is an internal operational strategy focused on cost efficiency, not market development.
• d. Growing the business and opening 41 new Starbucks stores in 2022. While opening new stores can be part of market development, the text specifically highlights the Shoprite Checkers agreement as the means to "extended Starbuck into regions and neighbourhoods," making it a more precise example of market development than just general growth.

The most direct example of a market development strategy described is the agreement with Shoprite Checkers, which enabled Starbucks to reach new regions and neighborhoods.

The correct option is a.

a) Entering into an agreement with Shoprite Checkers.