Sustainable Strategies and Value Creation in the Food and Beverage Sector: The Case of Large Listed European Companies

Patrizia Gazzola (), Enrica Pavione, Stefano Amelio and Martina Mauri
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Patrizia Gazzola: Department of Economics, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
Enrica Pavione: Department of Economics, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
Stefano Amelio: Department of Economics, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
Martina Mauri: Department of Economics, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 22, 1-16

Abstract: Food and beverage in Europe represents a central sector in terms of contribution to GDP, employment, and the trade balance. At the same time, it has significant environmental, economic, and social implications, making the adoption of sustainable strategies of vital importance for companies in the sector. This study explores how sustainable business practices can create long-term strategic value, with a particular focus on the food and beverage sector. The research analyzes the relationship between sustainability and business strategy, focusing on how companies can thrive in the context of environmental uncertainties, social fluctuations, and economic interconnectedness. Specifically, the study aims to identify the key sustainability practices and strategies adopted by leading food and beverage companies and determine how these practices affect their ESG performance (environmental, social, and governance) results. The study uses a reasoned selection of case studies from one of the primary CSR regulatory categories—listed companies with considerable size (excluding tobacco companies and those with a capitalization of less than EUR 10 billion)—comparing companies’ sustainability reports and the latest 2023 integrated annual report to assess every aspect of each company, from market position to sustainability policies and sustainable reporting.

Keywords: sustainability; food and beverage sector; corporate social responsibility; ESG; value creation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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