Perceived efficacy of sustainability strategies in the US, Italian, and Spanish wine industries: A comparative study
International Journal of Wine Business Research
ISSN: 1751-1062
Article publication date: 17 August 2015
Abstract
Purpose
This purpose of this investigation is to compare the perceptions of competitive advantage through cost leadership and differentiation with sustainable practices of wineries from the USA, Italy and Spain.
Design/methodology/approach
Data are collected via self-report web-based surveys in California, Tuscany and Catalonia in 2010-2011 during a severe economic downturn in the wine industry.
Findings
Of the 260 respondents among the three country samples, over 75 per cent are family-owned and family-managed. Respondents indicate who has implemented a clear business case for an Environmental Management System (EMS) and who has not. Benefits and challenges of implementing sustainability practices are also addressed.
Practical implications
A comparable percentage of respondents across the three countries indicated a “clear business case for EMS”. Wineries in all three countries perceive that they have competitive advantage through implementation of EMS and commitment to sustainable practices. Top perceived benefits for respondents from the USA and Italy are focused on cost reduction strategies, while top perceived benefits for Spanish respondents are focused on differentiation strategies.
Originality/value
Activities that create competitive advantages for wine businesses in different countries are understudied; this research bridges that gap.
Keywords
Citation
Gilinsky, Jr, A., Newton, S.K., Atkin, T.S., Santini, C., Cavicchi, A., Casas, A.R. and Huertas, R. (2015), "Perceived efficacy of sustainability strategies in the US, Italian, and Spanish wine industries: A comparative study", International Journal of Wine Business Research, Vol. 27 No. 3, pp. 164-181. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJWBR-10-2014-0047
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited