This study presents the results of an empirical analysis of the components of sustainable business models (SBMs) in the dairy sector, in relation to relevant organizational characteristics for the company (size, legal form, and type of production) and using as keys the Business Model Framework and the Sustainable Value Exchange Matrix. The analysis led to the definition of three types of sustainable business models:
“authenticity-based”: This model emphasizes the sustainability implicit in the values of the entrepreneur and the craftsmanship of production processes.
“Supply integrity-based": This model emphasizes the importance of ethics in the supply chain, including environmental compliance and economic fairness among chain actors.
“Market-oriented”: This model is based on meeting market expectations for sustainability. Companies with this model are open to product diversification and place special emphasis on environmental and economic sustainability as well as technological innovation in processes.
