The necessity of category mapping in market research arises due to several reasons:

1. Market segmentation: Category mapping allows researchers to divide the market into distinct segments based on similarities in product types, customer preferences, usage patterns, or other relevant criteria. This segmentation helps businesses target specific customer groups more effectively and tailor their marketing strategies accordingly.

2. Competitive analysis: By categorizing products and services within the market, companies can analyze the competitive landscape more comprehensively. This enables them to identify their competitors, assess their strengths and weaknesses, and spot potential gaps or opportunities in the market.

3. Consumer behavior analysis: Understanding how different categories of products or services are performing in the market helps researchers analyze consumer behavior and preferences. By mapping product categories to specific demographics or psychographics, businesses can align their offerings with customer needs and preferences more accurately.

4. Product portfolio management: Category mapping allows companies to evaluate their existing product portfolio and identify areas for improvement or expansion. It helps them determine which products are successful and which may require adjustments or even discontinuation.

5. Strategic decision-making: Having a clear category mapping assists businesses in making strategic decisions related to product development, pricing, distribution channels, and marketing efforts. It provides a structured framework to evaluate various options and select the most appropriate course of action.

6. Market trends and opportunities: Tracking the performance of different product categories over time helps identify market trends and emerging opportunities. This enables businesses to stay agile and adapt their strategies to meet changing market demands.

7. Data analysis and reporting: When data is categorized and structured through mapping, it becomes more manageable and interpretable. Researchers can generate meaningful reports and insights from the data, facilitating effective communication within the organization.

Overall, category mapping in market research is crucial for providing a systematic and organized approach to understanding the market, competitors, and consumer behavior. It streamlines the decision-making process and empowers businesses to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market environment