Business

Relevance (law)

Political science

Public relations

Marketing

Corporate social responsibility

Willingness to pay

Social responsibility

Economics

Sample (material)

Microeconomics

Chemistry

Chromatography

Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management

This study reveals the consumer side of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the food industry, exploring awareness, preferences and willingness to pay for CSR of a representative sample of Italian households. The results clearly indicate that Italian consumers reveal a high level of awareness within clear, though heterogeneous, preferences for CSR initiatives. Five consumers' groups were identified: ‘environmentalists’, ‘pro‐socials’, ‘collectivists’, ‘animal friends’ and ‘selfish health centered’. Furthermore, the study reveals consumers' willingness to pay a premium price to reward food companies addressing their concerns and expectations in terms of CSR. Findings offer insights for business managers on how to promote CSR, developing communication and information strategies focusing on specific needs and personal relevance within a group of consumers.

Consumers' heterogeneous preferences for corporate social responsibility in the food industry