Social responsibility of Polish food industry leaders

The purpose of this paper is to assess the sustainable development measures adopted by food companies. This paper analyzes the scope of initiatives and programs undertaken by companies that publish Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) reports. It demonstrates the importance of food companies in reporting social responsibility in Poland. This paper uses a qualitative method based on a summative content analysis of reports delivered by food companies. It notes that most of the reports are drawn up by market leaders affiliated to international corporations. However, Hortimex Plus Sp. z o.o. Sp. k., a Polish family-run business, is also among them. A positive relationship was identified between the number of implemented social responsibility measures and financial performance of companies under consideration. The leaders covered by this study adopt numerous sustainable development measures such as, in prime place, social initiatives, including charity and donations. Ranked second are environmental programs and initiatives, oriented mainly at reducing the consumption of water, energy products and raw materials. The third group consist of labor-related measures, primarily including those focused on ensuring occupational safety and employee benefits.