Corporate social responsibility in the relationships between large retailers and Italian small and medium food suppliers

This paper presents an overview of corporate social responsibility (CSR) drivers within retailers’ supply chains, following a multiple perspective of the different players involved. The study is focused on the relationship between European retailers and Italian small-medium enterprises in the food sector. In particular the analysis examines the effects of the large retailers’ CSR initiatives on the small suppliers involved in supply chains where large retailers are leaders. The research identifies that small and medium Italian manufacturers adapt their processes and tools to the CSR requirements of large retailers. When food Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are strongly involved as suppliers of international large retailers, they reach a higher level of consciousness in CSR relevance and, above all, they are more capable of managing CSR activities by adopting standards and certification systems.