Here's how you can navigate challenges in the food manufacturing industry with resilience.

Keeping up with regulatory changes can be a major challenge, especially for SMEs. It is therefore essential that defined communication and information channels are established to keep abreast of changes. For example: - Information from industry organisations and associations - Information such as newsletters from the relevant authorities - Information from other competent bodies such as universities - Attendance at specialised events, training courses The information obtained must be systematically discussed and, where necessary, taken into account for the company's own products and processes. (see also 7.4.2. of ISO 22000:2018)

Consumers' expectations come and go. Regulatory requirements change, but not as fast as innovation is changing products and technologies. To me, the real challenge is to build a brand that survives trends and to innovate in areas where regulations are still lagging behind or are not in line with actual scientific and industrial capability. This is the area where, usually, you have more reputational and business risks.

Consumer expectations can include product transparency, health/wellness inclusion, and innovative foods. If a product is out of stock, modern consumers expect companies to inform when supplies will restock. Just as companies expect their employees to follow workflow practices, consumers expect companies to stay relevant by implementing and utilizing technology. There are market demands for companies to maintain a level of sustainability or environmental awareness and activism. It is not acceptable for companies to simply produce units, without exerting energy into how they manage wast

Food safety is non-negotiable in your industry. Full stop. Big brands involved in food safety scandals had high bills to pay, especially in terms of reputation. Still, it is not granted. For negligence or because the world is so complex, catching up with all regulations around the globe - due to their limited accessibility in specific countries - is becoming overly complex. Networking with experts and local support, and not being too rushy under marketing pressure are key elements to overcome such difficulties and export globally without incidents.

Prioritize Safety: Implement rigorous safety protocols and standards to ensure the well-being of employees and consumers. Conduct regular safety training and drills to educate employees about potential hazards and safe practices. Invest in high-quality safety equipment and machinery to minimize accidents and injuries. Establish a culture of safety where all employees are encouraged to report concerns and participate in safety initiatives.

Safety first, nobody would disagree. But there still is clearly a conflict of interests which remains unsolved untill today. A. There are thousands getting sick from foods p.a. (eg. Salmonellosis) and an unkown number of deaths. B. On the other hand, hygiene and cleaning are costly and there is an extreme price pressure on all parts of the supply chain. This is the nut we have to crack.

Strengthen Supply: Diversify your supplier base to reduce dependency on a single source and mitigate supply chain risks. Build strong relationships with suppliers through open communication and collaboration. Implement inventory management systems to monitor stock levels and anticipate supply chain disruptions. Explore local sourcing options to reduce transportation costs and environmental impact.

Innovate Continuously: Stay updated with industry trends, technologies, and consumer preferences to stay ahead of the competition. Encourage a culture of innovation where employees are encouraged to suggest new ideas and improvements. Invest in research and development to create new products, processes, and packaging solutions. Collaborate with academic institutions, research organizations, and industry partners to foster innovation and drive growth.

A strong team is the heart of every production process. Always invest not only in your own team but also in fostering good interactions between departments ??. During serious challenges, effective collaboration among all departments can quickly and efficiently restart the line after a major breakdown or successfully navigate through a stringent audit. For this reason, expand your responsibility beyond just your department, and be supportive when your colleagues need it.

Invest in People: Develop a comprehensive training and development program to equip employees with the necessary skills and knowledge. Create opportunities for career growth and advancement to motivate and retain talent. Foster a positive and inclusive work environment where employees feel valued, respected, and engaged. Encourage teamwork, collaboration, and open communication to enhance productivity and problem-solving capabilities.

Another consideration involves actively seeking ideas and opinions from employees, as not every employee may proactively approach management. Establishing feedback mechanisms such as regular meetings, anonymous surveys, or an open-door policy ensures that valuable insights are gathered from employees who may offer unique perspectives on industry trends, technological advancements, and regulatory changes. Integrating employee feedback into decision-making processes can help maintain organizational flexibility and enable prompt responses to changes, thereby enhancing resilience in food manufacturing operations.