Abstract

Purpose: Corporate management is under pressure to contribute to social values beyond profit-seeking, and interest in ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) is increasing worldwide. In the recent global climate change crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of non-financial values such as ESG is increasing. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to prepare a strategy for future ESG management activities by analyzing the impact of it on corporate performance by food companies. Research design, data and methodology: ESG-related research trends, ESG activities, and corporate performance were analyzed. After that, a regression analysis was conducted to identify the relationship between ESG evaluation grade and corporate performance. Result: ESG management activities measured by ESG scores did not significantly affect the return on assets, one of the variables of corporate performance. However, as a result of setting the return on equity as a dependent variable, ESG management activities have a nonlinear relationship with corporate performance, and ESG management activities have a positive effect on corporate performance when investment in ESG management activities is reasonable. Conclusions: These results show that food companies should engage in an appropriate level of ESG management activities to improve corporate performance.