Enhancing wineries’ sustainability through territorial certifications: a case study in Emilia-Romagna, Italy
International Journal of Wine Business Research
ISSN: 1751-1062
Article publication date: 6 November 2024
Abstract
Purpose
As sustainability concerns become increasingly influential in shaping wineries’ strategies at the production and processing stages, this study aims to investigate the anticipated benefits, incentives and constraints associated with a territorial sustainability certification in the wine industry.
Design/methodology/approach
Focusing on wine producers from the Romagna Consortium (Italy), the research explores the influence of firm characteristics on sustainability attitudes and explores the Consortium potential role in facilitating the ecological transition. Data are collected through an online survey and analyzed by means of factor and cluster analysis.
Findings
Findings reveal the Consortium capacity to expand its scope, incorporating elements of sustainability, resilience and territorial development. In addition, it emerges that the perception of sustainability among local producers extends beyond environmental concerns, encompassing the economic and social domains.
Practical implications
Acting as a cluster constituent, the Consortium can stimulate collaborative behavior and promote knowledge dissemination contributing to a mature collaborative environment. A territorial sustainability certification is thus viewed as multifunctional tool, enhancing economic performance and collective reputation, while addressing the numerous environmental challenges faced by the sector.
Originality/value
The study’s originality lies in its direct engagement with a considerable number of producers in a geographic area boasting a mature wine industry but with limited research focusing on coordinated efforts for improved sustainability performance.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This study was carried out within the Agritech National Research Center and received funding from the European Union Next-GenerationEU (PIANO NAZIONALE DI RIPRESA E RESILIENZA (PNRR) – MISSIONE 4 COMPONENTE 2, INVESTIMENTO 1.4 – D.D. 1032 17/06/2022, CN00000022). This paper reflects only the authors’ views and opinions, neither the European Union nor the European Commission can be considered responsible for them. “The authors wish to thank Consorzio Vini di Romagna for their technical assistance.”
Citation
Ceccacci, A., Camanzi, L., Rota, C., Fiorentini, R. and Malorgio, G. (2024), "Enhancing wineries’ sustainability through territorial certifications: a case study in Emilia-Romagna, Italy", International Journal of Wine Business Research, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJWBR-03-2024-0009
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited