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The ESG Menu: Integrating Sustainable Practices in the Portuguese Agri-Food Sector

Author

Listed:
  • Gonçalo Camelo

    (Instituto Português de Administração de Marketing—IPAM, Marketing Business School, 4100-320 Porto, Portugal)

  • Mafalda Nogueira

    (Instituto Português de Administração de Marketing—IPAM, Marketing Business School, 4100-320 Porto, Portugal)

Abstract

This paper investigates the incorporation of sustainable development within the Portuguese agri-food sector amid global environmental and resource challenges. It underscores the role of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria in steering businesses towards sustainable practices. Through qualitative analysis, in-depth interviews with managers and experts explored sustainable business model adoption, highlighting SMEs’ unique challenges. The study reveals a divergence in sustainability practice maturity, advocating for integration into organizational culture and strategy. It points out SMEs’ reactive stance due to resource constraints and external pressures, contrasting with larger firms’ proactive approaches. The research supports a strategic reevaluation of business models for sustainability, emphasizing innovation, leadership, organizational commitment, and transparent communication. Practical contributions include embedding sustainability into core operations, enhancing competitiveness, fostering sustainable organizational culture, prioritizing employee well-being, and leveraging innovative marketing for sustainability communication. Recognizing its limitations, this study advocates exploring blockchain and AI for transparency, leadership’s role in sustainable models, and the importance of marketing in the agri-food sector for sustainable management. Insights indicate that innovation and strategic partnerships are crucial for enhancing organizational sustainability and achieving the SDGs.

Suggested Citation

  • Gonçalo Camelo & Mafalda Nogueira, 2024. "The ESG Menu: Integrating Sustainable Practices in the Portuguese Agri-Food Sector," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(11), pages 1-17, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:11:p:4377-:d:1399448
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Saeed Nosratabadi & Amir Mosavi & Shahaboddin Shamshirband & Edmundas Kazimieras Zavadskas & Andry Rakotonirainy & Kwok Wing Chau, 2019. "Sustainable Business Models: A Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(6), pages 1-30, March.
    2. Broadstock, David C. & Chan, Kalok & Cheng, Louis T.W. & Wang, Xiaowei, 2021. "The role of ESG performance during times of financial crisis: Evidence from COVID-19 in China," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 38(C).
    3. Idiano D’Adamo & Massimo Gastaldi, 2023. "Perspectives and Challenges on Sustainability: Drivers, Opportunities and Policy Implications in Universities," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-6, February.
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    Cited by:

    1. Richard Yeaw Chong Seow, 2026. "Navigating the Convergence of SDGs and ESG: Insights from a Systematic Literature Review," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 38(2), pages 289-324, April.

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