Summary
This whitepaper examines the lessons learned from the food industry in 2025 and how they can inform strategies for 2026. It discusses the pressures faced by the food sector, including geopolitical tensions, inconsistent regulations, and evolving consumer expectations. The document emphasizes that systems and protocols alone do not ensure food safety; rather, the quality of information and the ability of organizations to interpret risks are crucial. The paper outlines key themes such as the impact of digitalization and AI, the necessity for stronger organizational capabilities, and the importance of consumer scrutiny in risk management. It also highlights the interconnectedness of risks across supply chains and the need for resilience in sourcing and contingency planning. The authors advocate for integrating food safety into enterprise risk management and suggest three practical priorities for organizations to adopt in 2026, focusing on data cohesion, risk appetite clarity, and scalable internal systems.
