The combined food and drink industry in the UK is worth approximately £66 billion in turnover annually, accounting for well over 17% of the UK’s total manufacturing sector. It employees in excess of 650,000 people and is facing some of its toughest challenges yet: social, technological and legislative advancements, changing tastes and demands driving a dichotomy of strategies for food manufacturers, regulation around advertising restrictions for the tobacco industry, and a flurry of M&A activity. 

In the food sector in particular the cost and lead time of the supply chain and subsequent impact on margins present further challenges.  Stakeholder management and communicating effectively with stakeholders around issues of corporate governance and corporate social responsibility, and ensuring workforce health and safety compound the situation.

The last 12 months in the industry have demonstrated once again that risks can emerge from any aspect of a company’s business, its internal operations, suppliers, customers, and even the weather.  We look at how companies are managing risks in this changing and volatile environment and help businesses effectively plan and implement an integrated risk strategy company-wide.

Last updated on 24 July 2007