The latest news, trends, analysis, interviews and podcasts from the global food and beverage industry

A new report from National Preparedness Commission outlines critical gaps in the UK's food resilience framework, emphasing the need for a comprehensive strategy to prepare for potential food crises.

Authored by Tim Lang, professor emeritus of food policy, alongside Natalie Neumann and Antony So, the report titled 'Just in Case: 7 Steps to Narrow the UK Civil Food Resilience Gap,' identifies systemic vulnerabilities in the food supply chain that could be exacerbated by future shocks.

Key findings

The report outlines a significant transformation in the UK’s food landscape since World War II. While the nation has enjoyed increased access to diverse and plentiful food, this has led to a heightened dependence on a limited number of large suppliers.

This concentration presents risks, especially as many households remain unprepared for potential food shocks. The authors argue that current policies primarily focus on maintaining supply chain stability, often overlooking the essential role of consumer preparedness and public engagement.

The analysis reveals that the UK Government’s existing resilience framework lacks specific provisions for food security. The most recent National Risk Register, published in 2023, identified food supply contamination as the sole food-related threat among 89 assessed risks.

This narrow focus raises concerns among industry experts about the adequacy of the UK’s preparedness for multifaceted food crises, which could arise from economic instability, climate change or geopolitical tensions.

Recommendations for improvement

The report outlines seven actionable steps aimed at enhancing civil food resilience:

Learn from international examples: The UK should draw lessons from ten countries that have integrated food resilience into their national frameworks, such as Sweden and Finland, which have established comprehensive food preparedness strategies.

Assess public engagement: A thorough evaluation of public knowledge and perceptions regarding food security is essential. This could involve surveys and community dialogues to foster a more informed citizenry capable of responding effectively to food crises.

Map community food resources: Conducting audits of local food assets – such as community gardens, food banks and local producers – will help identify strengths and vulnerabilities at the community level, informing tailored preparedness strategies.

Strengthen local authorities: Local governments must be empowered with the resources and legal frameworks necessary to build food resilience. This includes developing specific food policies that address local needs and vulnerabilities.

Create local food resilience committees: Establishing committees to coordinate food resilience efforts at the community level will ensure a collaborative approach to crisis management. These committees should include representatives from local government, public health and community organisations.

Develop a coherent national food policy: A comprehensive national food policy is urgently needed to address food security holistically. This policy should advocate for a shift from the current Just-in-Time logistics model to a more resilient Just-in-Case approach, which includes stockpiling essential food supplies and diversifying supply sources.

Revise the government resilience framework: The existing resilience framework should be updated to incorporate food security considerations, ensuring that food systems are integrated into national preparedness strategies.

Implications for food manufacturers

For food manufacturers, the findings of this report signal an urgent need to reassess supply chain strategies and consumer engagement practices. As the report highlights the fragility of the current food system, manufacturers may need to consider diversifying supply sources and enhancing local production capabilities to mitigate risks.

Additionally, fostering public awareness around food security can help stabilise demand during crises. Engaging in community-level initiatives, such as partnerships with local authorities and organisations focused on food resilience, can create opportunities for manufacturers to contribute positively to national food security efforts.

The report’s emphasis on community-level initiatives suggests that manufacturers can play a pivotal role in building resilience networks. By collaborating with local food systems and supporting initiatives like community gardens or food cooperatives, manufacturers can not only enhance their brand reputation but also strengthen consumer trust and loyalty.

#foodsystems #UK #foodpolicy #foodresilience #supplychain