Risk management more important for food companies

Cyber threats, geopolitical tensions, and energy security are putting growing pressure on Dutch businesses. At the same time, companies are becoming slightly more resilient. This emerges from new research by RaboResearch into the risks faced by different sectors and the measures they are taking. For the food industry, operating across both agriculture and industry, many of these risks are immediately recognizable.

Multiple risks at the same time

Dutch companies are facing a broad range of risks. Around half expect cybercrime, electricity shortages, new technologies, geo-economic measures, and extreme financial risks to have a major impact on business continuity. Climate-related risks, such as extreme weather events, environmental pollution, and water shortages, also affect roughly thirty percent of companies.

Compared with last year, the share of companies expecting severe negative consequences has declined slightly. This decrease is smaller for acute risks, such as cybercrime and geopolitics, than for long-term risks related to climate and the environment. According to RaboResearch, this is linked to the fact that companies have stepped up their risk mitigation efforts.

Differences between sectors

Perceived risks vary significantly by sector. Companies in agriculture mainly see risks from extreme weather, water shortages, and environmental pollution. Industrial companies indicate they are vulnerable to geo-economic measures and electricity shortages. In the services sector, cybercrime represents the most significant risk.

Within industry, the number of companies viewing electricity shortages as a major risk has increased. Grid congestion became a more pressing issue in 2025. Geopolitical developments and trade policy, including measures originating from the United States, have also made the risk of geo-economic measures more tangible.

Greater focus on resilience

Companies have become more proactive in mitigating risks. Digital security measures are taken most frequently. In addition, companies are more often holding larger inventories and seeking to reduce dependence on individual customers and suppliers. About twenty percent are working to reduce strategic dependencies on other countries. Among large enterprises, that share is around fifty percent, particularly within industry.

Rabobank.nl