Companies in the food, beverage and agriculture sectors are facing a more challenging operating environment this year as concerns over food safety, supply chain disruptions and rising costs intensify.
This is according to the Global Food, Beverage and Agriculture Risk Report 2026 by Willis, a WTW business. The survey found that 45% of firms now consider food safety and health among their biggest risks, up sharply from 29% in 2024.
The findings come as companies grapple with geopolitical tensions, trade tariffs, cyber threats, climate-related disruptions and rising input costs. Supply chain risks have also become more pronounced, with 44% of respondents citing them as a major concern, driven by conflicts, trade disputes and increasingly unpredictable disruptions.
In Asia Pacific, reliance on commodity imports, fragmented supply chains and exposure to natural disasters further heighten these risks.
The report also found declining confidence in risk management, with only 62% of business leaders saying they feel somewhat or completely in control of their risks, down from 75% in 2024 and 89% in 2023.
Despite this, companies are strengthening their business continuity efforts, with 83% reporting formal business continuity plans. Meanwhile, 84% said managing environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks will remain a priority over the next two years.
Willis said businesses are responding by focusing on resilience and affordability, with more than half of respondents identifying value-for-money products as a key growth opportunity amid ongoing cost-of-living pressures.