Rising Instances of Food Supply Chain Theft in 2023

The global supply chain continues to face a significant threat from thefts, with food being the most targeted commodity, accounting for a third of all hijacking incidents in 2023, representing a 29% increase from the previous year. This surge in theft is attributed to the impact of global inflation, with basic goods experiencing substantial price hikes, making them more appealing to thieves.

According to an analysis by BSI, a global provider of supply chain intelligence, food and beverage items now make up 22% of all thefts, up from 17% in 2022 and 14% in 2021. In addition, theft of agricultural food products has also risen to 10%, contributing to one in every ten hijacking incidents. Despite the steady number of electronic thefts, the focus on high-value goods remains prevalent.

The ease of stealing food in transit, particularly due to the lack of tracking devices and anti-theft technologies, has prompted a number of high-profile thefts, such as the theft of 52 tons of olive oil in Greece and 200 hams in Spain. On the other hand, incidents involving higher-value commodities have also been recorded, including a case in Egypt where false paperwork was used to purchase pharmaceutical shipments, resulting in the fraudulent diversion of $9.7 million worth of drugs.

The nature of thefts has evolved, with cargo theft remaining high and a notable increase in theft of containers or trailers, as well as employee belongings, truck parts, or cash. The majority of thefts occurred in Europe (37%) and North America (23%), with trucks being the primary target (68% of thefts). Furthermore, the methods of theft vary by region, with violent hijackings being more common in North and South America, while parked trucks are often targeted in Europe due to a lack of secured parking.

Susan Taylor Martin, Chief Executive of BSI, emphasised the complexity of the global supply chain landscape, particularly in light of geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, extreme weather events, and digital disruption. She highlighted the need for organisations to accelerate progress in reducing environmental impact and enhancing social responsibility in their supply chain.

Jim Yarbrough, Global Director of Supply Chain Solutions at BSI, noted the high demand for food and beverage products, exacerbated by inflationary factors leading to price hikes. He encouraged supply chain leaders to leverage intelligence solutions to implement proactive risk management strategies and emphasised the critical importance of collaboration in addressing supply chain challenges.

In conclusion, the rising instances of food supply chain theft in 2023 pose a significant challenge for organisations worldwide. The need for proactive risk management strategies and collaboration among supply chain leaders is paramount to addressing the complex and volatile backdrop of the global supply chain.