The “milky ways”
Emerging sustainable business models for sustainable value creation in the dairy industry
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21295518 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Silvia Cantele (0000-0003-1799-3566, University of Verona, corresponding author), Paola Signori (0000-0002-7132-8834, University of Verona) |
| Year | 2023 |
| Volume | 125 |
| Issue | 13 |
| Pages | 538-561 |
| Publication date | 2023-12-18 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | British Food Journal (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0007-070X • E-ISSN: 1758-4108 |
| Publisher | Emerald (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1108/bfj-12-2022-1142 |
| OpenAlex | W4387455031 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 3 |
| References cited | 49 |
Purpose This study aims to analyse the components of sustainable business models (SBMs) in the dairy industry, in relation to firm-relevant organisational features (size, ownership structure and production process) and through the lenses of the business model framework and the sustainable value exchange matrix (SVEM). This contribution proposes a taxonomy of emerging SBMs and sustainable value creation in the dairy industry. Design/methodology/approach This research makes use of a multiple case study approach, with cases selected in collaboration with industry experts. The selected firms are highly committed to sustainability transition. Results are drawn from qualitative data obtained from in-depth interviews and secondary sources. The interpretation phases, initially based on open coding, have been enriched by applying the components of business models (BMs) frameworks and the SVEM, and the analyses have been enhanced through an additional interpretative workshop with experts. Findings The authors related the BMs characteristics of some typical dairy firms transitioning to sustainability, using SBM components and taxonomies emerging in the literature, based on the formalisation of sustainability practices, the scope of operations, and the degree of integration of the three dimensions of sustainable value. These findings led to the discovery of three types of SBM in this dairy industry, referred to as “Milky Ways”. Originality/value This paper contributes to the scant literature on sustainability in dairy firms, highlighting the different paths followed by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), cooperatives and large companies in remoulding their business models towards sustainability and thus achieving sustainable value creation
Business · Industrial organization · Knowledge management · Originality · Process management · Qualitative research · Scope (computer science) · Sociology · Sustainability · Sustainable Business · Computer Science · Ecology · Environmental Sustainability in Business · Marketing · Sustainable Industrial Ecology · Sustainable Supply Chain Management
Business Model Innovation for Sustainability
Business models for sustainable innovation
Fifteen Years of Research on Business Model Innovation
The triple layered business model canvas
Sustainable entrepreneurship and sustainability innovation
Sampling in qualitative research. Purposeful and theoretical sampling; merging or clear boundaries?
The Business Model
A literature and practice review to develop sustainable business model archetypes
Sustainable business model innovation
Stakeholders' involvement in establishing sustainable business models
Business Models for Sustainability
Economies of Scale Versus Small Is Beautiful
Small Business Champions for Corporate Social Responsibility
Qualitative Research Designs
| Citations per year | 3 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2025 - 2025 (1) |
| Highly cited | No |