The sustainability orientation in the wine industry: An analysis based on age as a driver

Abstract Few studies probe small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the context of sustainability. Thus, this study examines the sustainability orientation in SMEs and its impact on financial performance, considering the ‘ageing effect’. It employs a sample of Italian SMEs operating in the wine sector, using a survey questionnaire to collect qualitative and quantitative data for analysis. Accordingly, although sustainability remains typically unembedded within such SMEs, when it is embedded, a positive correlation with performance is evident. Furthermore, age is a relevant variable that can explain a different sustainability orientation and its impact on financial performance. This research contributes insight into sustainability orientation in SMEs, extending the sustainability, age, and SME performance literature. Managerial implications suggest the need to better emphasise social issues and invest more in skilled human resources and training programmes.