The latest report from the British Standards Institution (BSI) revealed that thefts in the food supply chain have increased, highlighting a growing threat in the context of global inflation.
In 2023, theft in this sector worldwide grew by 22 percent. Food and beverages have become the primary target for thieves.
In Mexico, food and beverages were the most stolen products, accounting for 29% of incidents, followed by construction and industrial products at 12% and miscellaneous items at 11 percent.
Additionally, the report highlights that the methods of theft have evolved, and cargo theft remains significantly high, emphasizing the need for advanced technological solutions to reduce this risk.
Thefts at facilities have decreased from 26% to 21%, but there has been an increase in container or trailer thefts from 4% to 14%, and thefts of employee belongings, truck parts, or cash from 7% to 10 percent. Europe and North America recorded the highest theft rates, with 37% and 23%, respectively.
In 2023, nearly 68% of thefts affected trucks, although the methods vary by region, with violent hijackings being more frequent in North and South America.
In light of this situation, the BSI analysis identifies six key strategies for organizations to increase trust and mitigate risks in the supply chain:
1. Collaboration: Working together to address supply chain challenges.
2. Recognizing changing risks: Preparing for various eventualities.
3. Data-driven proactive approach: Managing vulnerabilities with practical insights.
4. Adaptability: Responding with agility to geopolitical uncertainty.
5. Comprehensive climate perspective: Preparing operations for the future considering climatic events.
6. Compliance with legislation: Staying ahead of legislation to gain competitive advantages.
In this regard, Susan Taylor Martin, CEO of BSI, emphasized the importance of these measures in a year marked by geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and extreme weather events. Collaboration and the adoption of smart technologies are crucial to mitigate these risks and ensure smooth global trade, benefiting society as a whole.
“In 2024, proactivity and cooperation will be essential for organizations to successfully face supply chain challenges, from increasing theft to climatic disruptions,” added Taylor.
The theft of food in transit is often relatively easy compared to higher-value products, as these items tend not to be shipped with tracking devices and anti-theft technologies.
As organizations prepare to face these challenges, it is crucial to adopt a comprehensive and proactive approach to ensure the resilience of the global supply chain.
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