Social enterprise: A review and an example from the wine industry

Abstract

Purpose: This paper examines the social enterprise literature and discusses a case study example of a social enterprise from the New Zealand wine industry. Design/methodology/approach: A semi-structured interview was used to collect qualitative data from one of the co-founders of the 27seconds wine brand, with the other co-founder answering questions via email. Findings: 27seconds provides an example of a social enterprise in a wine context. It began as a business with a clear social mission, it derives income from the sale of wine, and profits are reinvested to support the growth of the business and its social mission. This wine brand from New Zealand displays characteristics that are consistent with many of the differing definitions provided in prior social enterprise literature. Practical implications: This case study provides one of the first examples of a social enterprise operating in a wine context. It may provide inspiration for others in the wine industry to start up a similar social enterprise to address a social need.