Business model evolution in the Food&Beverage Industry during Covid-19 A multiple case study analysis

Abstract

The purpose of this research paper is to analyse, with a backward analysis perspective integration, the impacted present and future scenarios of economic actors operating in Food and Beverage sector in the challenging pandemic context. The adopted approach enables the integration of a systemic literature review with a framework of emerging trends in terms of adaptation of business models in response to changes, strengthening the contemporary view about the way of contributing to well-being in times of social and economic upheaval. This research thesis investigates how businesses in agri-food industry have been coping with the disruptions caused by the pandemic and it is enriched by a poll of multiple case studies among a sample of seven respondents from Italian corporations of the sector. The study of interviews aims to give insights into innovation and competition drivers the sector has focused on and the technologies selected as a means to react to the global health and economic crisis. From findings, it emerges firms must balance risks and rewards and respond to uncertainty with flexibility and high resiliency: digitalization acceleration and proximity as well as consumer centrism are key priorities.