Social business and Grameen Danone Foods Limited

Abstract

Purpose -Capitalism as a concept is founded on "free economy" guided by a free price system and free access to markets. Many of the ills facing present day society such as unemployment, poverty, rising disparities of income, malnutrition, high polluted environment are getting increasingly linked to this corporate philosophy. Alternatives such as social business enterprises have been suggested and practiced by some of the enlightened entrepreneurs. This paper examines the tenets of social business, which advocates enhancing values to society, and the social benefit to all the stakeholders. Design/methodology/approach -This is an exploratory study and presents the origin, the rationale of the development of the strategic business model and its implementation. The model, based on the philosophy of social business, has been developed and practiced by Grameen Danone Foods Limited. The study has been conducted entirely on the basis of information and data available in the public domain. Findings -The findings show an encouraging contribution towards enhancing social benefits to society. These are visible in meeting the needs of the children suffering from malnutrition, in the generation of employment and providing a rare dignity to the poor of the poorest. The shortfall in business results is traced to missing economy of scale of operations. Originality/value -Social business is a new and a bold concept. It has faced many hurdles in its journey to meet objectives. The solutions it has discovered are sure to benefit many researchers, entrepreneurs, social-welfare oriented societies, non-profit organizations, national planners, regulators and society-leaders.

Re-distribution and promotion practices for suboptimal foods – commercial and social initiatives for the reduction of food waste

“…Research in food waste distinguishes loss in the upstream supply, which is primarily seen in developing countries (Sardana, 2013), from downstream food waste, which is a larger problem in developed and affluent countries (Parfitt et al , 2010). For example, about half of the food waste occurring in the European Union (EU) results from the retailer–consumer interface (EC, 2015).…”

Are Low-Income Consumers Willing to Pay for Fortification of a Commercially Produced Yogurt in Bangladesh

“…Established as a joint venture between Groupe Danone and the Grameen Foundation, GDFL is a social enterprise with the dual objectives of improving the health of the poorest children in Bangladesh and reducing poverty by creating employment at various stages of the value chain. 30 In establishing GDFL, the aim was to leverage the expertise of Groupe Danone as a major multinational dairy business and the established linkages and social networks of Grameen Group in rural Bangladesh. The business has attracted significant interest in its scope to bring improved nutrition and livelihoods at scale in Bangladesh.…”

Impactos Das Empresas Sociais Em Minas Gerais: Desafios E Contradições De Sua Dispersão Espacial

“…Obteve-se os seguintes grupos: Alunos, Profissionais e Instituições de ensino; Comunidade LGBTQ; Crianças e Adolescentes; Empresas sociais, Organizações da sociedade civil e relacionados; Empresas Tradicionais (referimos as "Empresas Tradicionais" como aquelas pertencentes ao segundo setor, tendo seu objetivo único a geração de receita e lucro para fins particulares); Família; Formação de empreendedores (sociais ou não); Idosos; Moradores de centros urbanos; Mulheres; Outros; Pessoas com problemas de saúde/necessidades especiais (menos idosos); Pessoas em vulnerabilidade social; População rural; Setor público e Sociedade em geral. Sardanha (2013), enfatiza que o impacto gerado por ES não se restringe ao consumidor final, chegando também às partes interessadas, como funcionários, governo, sociedade, comunidade, entre outras. Com base em tal argumento, as empresas foram classificadas em mais de um grupo, claro, se fosse necessário.…”