A red ocean refers to a crowded and highly competitive market space in which many companies are vying for the same customers. In a red ocean, companies often compete on price, quality, and features, resulting in a "bloody" market with little differentiation between products or services. As a result, companies may struggle to achieve profitability and growth in a red ocean.
In contrast, a blue ocean refers to a new and untapped market space with few competitors. In a blue ocean, companies create and capture new demand by developing products or services that are unique and offer a significant advantage over existing products or services. In a blue ocean, companies can often set their own prices and enjoy high profit margins, as they have created a new market space rather than competing in an existing one.
The authors of "Blue Ocean Strategy" argue that businesses should strive to create a blue ocean rather than competing in a red ocean. By creating a new market space, businesses can establish themselves as market leaders and enjoy long-term success and profitability. They suggest that companies should focus on innovation and creating value for customers rather than competing on price or features in a crowded market.