Food and beverage companies are facing a more complex and unpredictable risk landscape. Concerns about food safety, geopolitical tensions and supply-chain disruption are all increasing while confidence in managing those risks has declined, according to a new report from insurance broker Willis.

The Global Food, Beverage and Agriculture Risk Report 2026, based on a survey of 450 senior risk decision-makers worldwide, found that 45 per cent of respondents now rank food safety and health among their biggest risks, up sharply from 29 per cent in 2024.

The report said growing public scepticism of ultra-processed foods and more lawsuits were contributing to those concerns.

Supply-chain risks are also climbing, with 44 per cent of respondents naming them as a major threat, compared with 40 per cent two years ago. Willis said geopolitical instability, tariffs and trade tensions were making global supply networks vulnerable.

At the same time, confidence in risk management has weakened. Just 62 per cent of respondents said they felt somewhat or completely in control of their organisations' risks, down from 75 per cent in 2024 and 89 per cent in 2023.

Simon Lusher, Willis's global food, beverage and agriculture leader, said the industry was increasingly volatile.

“Food and beverage companies around the world are navigating a risk landscape that is becoming more complex and less predictable by the year,” he said.

“Our latest survey shows that many leaders feel less in control of these risks, reflecting how quickly the environment is evolving. What stands out is how firms are responding — sharpening their focus on resilience and value as pressures build.”

Despite the challenges, the report found companies are focused on growth.

More than half of respondents, 52 per cent, said value-for-money products are a leading opportunity.

Environmental, social and governance risks also remained a priority, with 84 per cent saying ESG risk management would be an important focus over the next two years despite political pushback against some ESG initiatives.

Businesses also reported improvements in preparedness, with 83 per cent saying they now have formal business continuity plans, up from 78 per cent previously.

Ivy Lee, Willis's food and beverage industry leader for Asia, said companies were balancing consumer expectations with operational pressures.

“Businesses are contending with a particularly complex mix of supply-chain disruption, with consumer expectations shifting quickly to a stronger focus on health, affordability and transparency,” she said.

“Businesses that can respond to those demands while staying agile will have a clear competitive edge.”

The survey was conducted in February and March among senior risk management decision-makers at leading food and beverage companies worldwide.