MANAGING NEW PRIORITIES: THE CSR OF COMPANIES IN THE FOOD INDUSTRY

The present article intends to evaluate the importance of implementing CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) as one of the top strategic priorities of a company, with specific examples from the food industry, within a European context. Starting with the Lisbon summit in 2000, CSR in Europe has become a main concern, as a result of the set goals: maintenance of a sustainable economic growth, greater social cohesion and a more competitive knowledge-based economy overall. Since the private sector plays a major role in achieving these objectives, the European Council particularly stressed out the social responsibility of companies. The present article emphasizes the importance of having CSR as a priority in the managerial strategies of a company. The first part starts out with a short introduction into the concept of CSR, moving on to a short ‘history’ of CSR within the European Union context, and ending with a present and future view on where is CSR heading to in the context of the global financial crisis. The second part presents the arguments that stand in favour of implementing CSR into a company’s strategic activities, while at the same time taking into consideration the negative aspects. Lastly, the article focuses on the food industry, with two of its most important aspects of CSR: nutrition safety and environmental concern. Examples of food and beverage companies and their CSR efforts are also presented, before ending with some key conclusions.