Organic companies' business models: emerging profiles in Italian bio-districts. Issue 9 (15th July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Truant, Elisa; Broccardo, Laura; Zicari, Adrian
• Is Part Of: British food journal. Volume 121:Issue 9(2019)
• Page Start: 2067
• Page End: 2085
• Publication Date: 2019-07-15
• Subjects: Benefits -- Business model -- Districts -- Organic companies; Food industry and trade -- Periodicals; Food -- Marketing -- Periodicals; Food adulteration and inspection -- Periodicals; Food -- Periodicals; 381.456413
• DOI: 10.1108/BFJ-03-2019-0158
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-070X

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the "organic" phenomenon within a sample of companies and try to depict the main business model (BM) features and profiles. Design/methodology/approach: The methodology used for the current research is twofold: first, a literature analysis has been conducted in order to highlight the gap in the existing literature. Then, the different BM profiles were investigated through a survey questionnaire conducted among a sample of Italian organic companies and organic districts. The evidence from the literature review supported the researchers during the empirical phase. Findings: From the literature review, it emerged that studies on the BMs of organic companies and organic districts need a deep analysis and a literature gap on this topic has emerged. From the BM point of view, clustering sheds light on proactive companies, which are characterized by a higher level of education among entrepreneurs, greater investments in the business and the sale of products within and outside of the domestic market. Research limitations/implications: Limitations include the number of answers collected through surveys and the focus on a single country. Practical implications: The main practical implication focuses on the regulatory bodies that should better understand the BMs characteristics implementing adequate policies for the development of organic companies and districts. Originality/value: The main practical implication focuses on the regulatory bodies that should better understand the BM characteristics and implement adequate policies for the development of organic companies and districts.