It all started when a few friends decided to open a bar in Palmero, Italy but rather than paying the mafia’s extortion fees, they started the movement, Addiopizzo, a social enterprise that encourages retailers to fight back against the organization and its pizzo racket.
Established in 2004, Addiopizzo reached out to various retailers with their new symbol. Not only does Addiopizzo help merchants fight against the Mafia’s practice of collecting protection money, it also encourages consumers to purchase products that are free from extortion and unfair trades. Customers can easily recognize which retailers support the cause by the iconic symbol of the social business’s logo, an interrupted circle with an X in the center along with the Italian translation for "critical consumption."
Contact Information
Addiopizzo website
Addiopizzo Facebook
Addiopizzo Twitter
Anti-Extortion Retailers
Addioizzo Helps Italian Vendors Retaliate Against Mafia Racketeering
Trend Themes
1. Socially Conscious Retail - The trend of retailers taking a stand against criminal organizations, like Addiopizzo, presents an opportunity for businesses to align themselves with social causes and attract ethically-minded consumers.
2. Consumer Empowerment - Addiopizzo's encouragement of critical consumption empowers consumers to make informed choices and support retailers that reject mafia racketeering, creating an opportunity for businesses to engage with socially-aware consumers.
3. Disruptive Symbolic Marketing - The use of Addiopizzo's iconic symbol allows retailers to differentiate themselves and signal their support for the cause, presenting an opportunity for businesses to use symbolic marketing for social impact.
Industry Implications
1. Retail - The retail industry can leverage the trend of anti-extortion movements, like Addiopizzo, to highlight their commitment to ethical practices and attract conscious consumers.
2. Social Enterprises - Addiopizzo's success as a social enterprise fighting against mafia racketeering creates opportunities for similar organizations to address social issues and drive positive change.
3. Marketing - The trend of symbolic marketing, exemplified by Addiopizzo's logo, presents an opportunity for marketers to develop innovative strategies that align brands with social causes and resonate with consumers.