Our study aimed to explore the factors limiting the development of the organic food sector in Poland from the perspective of processing, distributing, and retailing companies. We used a qualitative approach with in-depth semi-structured interviews with the management board representatives of 17 large- and medium-sized enterprises and the owners of 10 small and medium companies. The potential limiting factors, including legal, economic, technological, and environmental factors, were identified by reviewing the corporate and market reports of processing and retailing companies operating in the Polish organic sector. We used a thematic analysis recommended in the literature to analyze qualitative data. The main factors indicated by the managers were the legal concerns, limitations resulting from a lack of constant supply of organic raw materials, and increased competition on domestic and international markets. In addition, business activities in the Polish organic sector were affected by the instability of the financial situation in terms of financial liquidity, adequate cost, capital structure, and credits. The results of the study may be of value for policymakers to ensure sustainable development of the organic food sector in Poland.

The main aim of this study was to determine how chains of modern international retailers can achieve a competitive advantage (CA) by introducing private labels (PLs) in the organic category and can, in turn, stimulate the consumption of food produced with respect to sustainability principles. The research was conducted with the use of a qualitative approach and involved two steps. First, in order to select retailers with organic private labels (OPLs) and producers delivering products under OPLs, in-depth semistructured interviews were conducted with the representatives of management boards of 17 enterprises. Second, in order to analyze the assortment-based competitive advantage of the OPLs in depth, 8 enterprises were analyzed. In order to explore the price-related competitive advantage, three products offered under PLs, organic PLs, producer brands, and imported brands were selected for subsequent analysis. For retail chains, it was found that the introduction of OPLs is the source of CA via six contributors, namely, price, range of assortment, type of PLs, image of the retailer, sustainability and specific process, and product-related attributes of organic food. Extension of offers with organic private labels makes it easier for consumers to buy organic food at more affordable prices and follow the principles of proper nutrition and a sustainable diet with low environmental impact. At the same time, the international retailers can position themselves as chains contributing to more sustainable consumption.

Dzia ania proekologiczne jako obszar

The aim of the study is to analyse the diversity of the innovation scale of particular voivodships in Poland as well as to present Poland’s innovativeness in comparison to other countries. The authors of this paper have carried out scientific studies and analyses, taking into consideration the data for 2010–2017, published, among others, by Central Statistical Office (Główny Urząd Statystyczny), the European Commission and the Patent Office of the Republic of Poland (Urząd Patentowy Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej). The scope of the analyses concerned the innovative activities of Poland against the background of other countries, in particular, the European Union Member States as well as the diversification of the innovative activity of entrepreneurs conducting business activity in particular voivodships in Poland. It should be noted that there is a significant regional differentation in this respect.

The research problem regarding selected concerns in the social and environmental area, from the perspective of young consumers, was presented based on the analysis of selected results of a preliminary international pilot study conducted in 2024. Respondents were most often afraid of illness of family members, loss of health, and loss of personal data. Moreover, the analysis of the results shows that cultural differences influence the level of concern about various socio-environmental threats. Understanding these differences can help you more effectively implement activities targeted at young consumers that are tailored to their specific needs and concerns. <!----> <!----> <!----> <!---->