Kannibaliserende

Kannibaliserende is a Danish word that translates to cannibalizing or cannibalistic in English. It is most commonly used in a business context to describe a situation where a company's new product or service reduces the sales of its existing products or services. This can happen when a new product offers a similar or superior alternative to an older one, or when a company offers a lower-priced version of a product that eats into the market share of its higher-priced predecessor.

In marketing and product management, cannibalization is often a deliberate strategy. Companies may intentionally introduce a new product that cannibalizes an older one as a way to stay competitive, capture new market segments, or phase out less profitable or outdated offerings. For example, a smartphone manufacturer might release a new model with advanced features that naturally draws customers away from its previous generation models, allowing them to clear inventory and focus on the newer technology.

However, cannibalization can also be an unintended consequence. If a company launches a new product without adequately considering its impact on existing sales, it could inadvertently harm its own revenue streams. This is why careful market analysis and strategic planning are crucial when introducing new products, especially within a company's existing product line. The goal is often to achieve a net positive impact on overall revenue and market position, even if some internal sales are shifted. The term can also be used in other contexts, such as in ecology to describe one organism consuming another of the same species.