A shock to the food system

Lessons learned from the

COVID-19 pandemic
Contents
Introduction 3

Current state of the global food system 4

Cracks in the global food system during the COVID-19 crisis 5

Scenario analysis: Future of the food system 9

Short-term actions 14

Conclusion 16

Endnotes 18

Contacts 20

Authors and acknowledgments 21

 A shock to the food system | Introduction

Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged every fabric
of modern society, and with it has also exposed some
vulnerabilities in our global food system. A system whose
modern roots had been developed over decades, has in
a matter of weeks come under unprecedented pressure,
and has had to rapidly adjust. And while it has not reached
the breaking point yet, the changes this crisis has forced
on the food system are considerable and have significant
implications to consumers, governments, and corporations
alike. Whether these changes are structural and here to
stay, and whether they accelerate important trends we have
witnessed in the past few years, remains to be seen. These
are early days still—but what is clear is that this disruption
to all stakeholders has dramatically increased the levels of
uncertainty, and has scrambled forecasts and strategic plans.

3
A shock to the food system |
 Current state of the global food system

Current state of the global

food system
To understand just how much of an impact this pandemic has
had on the food system, it is important to establish a picture That is not to say there is no waste in the food system, since an
of this massive undertaking. Valued at US$8 trillion and equal “estimated 30% of the food produced for human consumption
to approximately 10% of global GDP, today's food system is a globally is lost or wasted somewhere along the food supply
complex network of players working together to balance a delicate chain.”5 There are multiple reasons this occurs—some to do with
equilibrium of supply and demand.1 See Figure 1. infrastructure, others with the way we consume—but it has been
on the radar of most value chain players for a number of years
This system has been designed to deliver calories at high levels of already.
efficiency, an evolution supported by global commodification and
trade in goods. One great success of this modern food system is What this crisis has exposed though is that while there are some
the reduction of global malnourishment, which fell from 50% of the sourcing benefits to this model, there are also major drawbacks
world’s population in 1945 to just 10.8% in 2017.2 This trend has been to these long and complex food supply chains. While long supply
accelerated by global commodification and trade in goods. While the chains provide inexpensive food, the rising environmental costs
system is still far from achieving a just-in-time production model, it and obscure sourcing pose an ethical threat as well as a practical
was “designed to handle, produce and deliver just as much product one. Unexpected surges in demand, as seen during this period,
as consumers need at any point in time” without surplus.3 Value chain rapidly deplete inventories, leaving the system as a whole
players globally have reduced inventory levels to conserve capital scrambling to make up the deficit.
and have relied instead on unbroken supply chains to deliver the
products they need when they need them.4 As a result, many large
outlets now only carry four to six weeks of food supply, as opposed
to six months’ supply just 20 years ago.

4
 A shock to the food system | Brochure / report
Cracks in the globaltitle
foodgoes here
system  Section
|
during title goes crisis
the COVID-19 here

Cracks in the global food system

during the COVID-19 crisis
Because the modern food system is so interlocked, disruptions These challenges, compounded with reduced regulatory
to one link in the chain have a staggering effect on the others. operations through the diversion of critical safety resources to
We have looked at and analyzed the shocks to production and other tasks, could severely impact the availability of certain crops
distribution, and their impacts to actors along the following and the safety of food products. According to the World Food
groupings: Programme, COVID-19 restrictions had reduced locust control
• Production: includes farm input suppliers, farmers, and food operations in countries where food production was already
producers upended by the desert locust outbreak.10

• Processing: includes food processors and manufacturers Impact of disruptions to processing

Processors too are struggling to secure enough workers to
• Distribution: includes food distribution and retail
continue labor-intensive production. Those dependent on lost
• Consumption: includes consumers at the individual and crops may be unable to secure the inputs they need for processed
national level foods (e.g., canned and frozen goods). Additionally, and very
publicly, in the United States and Brazil, dozens of workers in meat
Impact of disruptions to production processing facilities have fallen ill with COVID-19, forcing entire
Farmers who rely on migrant workers to harvest crops have plants to shut down.11 The shutdowns led to a 15% increase in the
struggled to secure enough labor.6 In France and Germany, the price of meat by the end of May. While most of the supply chains
ministries of agriculture reported that farms in both nations were have recovered, moving forward prices may continue to remain
missing over 200,000 workers.7 A similar dynamic occurred with high as greater attention is placed on worker safety and demand
farms in Spain, which had a shortage of 150,000 agricultural for more packaging increases, leading to increased production
workers..8 Farmers in California, Florida, and other US states are costs.12 While these cases originally seemed contained and did not
dealing with similar migrant labor shortages. This labor shortage disrupt the food system dramatically as a whole, the influx of cases
issue is further compounded by the virus spreading through fruit is generating concerns about the continuity and is highlighting the
and vegetable packers.9 very real human and financial toll of this pandemic.

Figure 2. COVID-19 cases in meat processing communities in the US

Infection rate for counties with meatpacking facilities compared to state infection rates
8000

7000
Infection rate (per 100,000)

6000

5000

4000

3000

2000

1000

0
Nobles, MN Colfax, NE Ford, KS Texas, OK Cass, IN Finney, KS Seward, KS Dawson, NE Saline, NE Louisa, IA
County, State

County infection rate (per 100,000) State infection Rate (per 100,000)

Source: American Banker

5
A shock to the food system |
 Cracks in the global food system during the COVID-19 crisis

Impact of disruptions to distribution

Many governments imposed restrictions on the flow of goods, “A top agenda for the central government is
including food, as part of their initial response to COVID-19. As agriculture and resumption of agriculture activities.”
many as 29 countries placed restrictions on the flow of food to
protect domestic supplies causing further disruption.13 The flow of “The government provided agriculture machines to
goods between countries has been disrupted and, in some cases, reduce reliance on labor.”
has ceased altogether. Governments are using the crisis to erect
trade barriers and bring manufacturing home. Countries like Japan, Partner, Deloitte China
France and the United States have made this a priority despite
institutions like the EU claiming that it will be a lose-lose situation
for countries as they compete over scarce resources driving prices
up.14

Figure 3. World merchandise trade volume

World merchandise trade volume

120

110
Index (2015=100)

100

90

80

70

60

50
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
(forecasted) (forecasted)

Year

Historical data Optimistic scenario Pessimistic scenario

Source: World Trade Organization

6
 A shock to the food system | Cracks in the global food system during the COVID-19 crisis

In the first two months of 2020, China’s exports dropped 17.2%

from 2019 levels.15 In both Shanghai and Los Angeles in February
“Stronger relationships across the value chain
2020, cargo volumes fell by 20% or more year-over-year.16 Major
are needed, in particular between retailers and
suppliers including Vietnam, Thailand, Russia and Kazakhstan
suppliers.”
recently barred exports of food products such as rice, eggs, grains
and potatoes to retain sufficient domestic food supply.17
“Distributors and retailers need to diversify sourcing
and increase local business to reduce risk.”
As a result of these restrictions, producers have output they
cannot harvest, store, or sell while consumers face higher prices
Partner, Deloitte Spain
and uncertainty about supply.18 Food prices in China were more
than 20% higher in January 2020 than a year previously, as the
restrictions exacerbated pork shortages due to African Swine
Fever and trade disputes.19,20 In the United States, prices at re-open. Paradoxically, there is still a shortage of truck drivers to
supermarkets rose while manufacturers and grocery stores offered service essential businesses including grocery stores. As a result,
28% fewer discounts than normal.21 distribution centers cannot send enough trucks per week. As
retailers face insufficient ground transportation, there is a risk of
Prices for truck freight decreased as demand fell when the reducing shipments to lower density and margin locations.
economy halted.22 These trends continue even as global economies

Figure 4. Commodity price fluctuations

Fluctuations in US commodity prices over time

100.00%
Percentage fluctation (Baseline Jan 6, 2020)

50.00%

0.00%

-50.00%

-100.00%

-150.00%

-200.00%
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun
Month

Corn feed
Average of Corn Feed Grain milled
Average riceGrain Milled Rice
of Long Wheat of Wheat
Average

Broilers of Broilers
Average Butter of Butter
Average Cheddarofcheese
Average blocks
Cheddar Cheese Blocks

Milk
Average of Milk Coffee of Coffee
Average Eggs of Eggs
Average

Pork loins
Average of Pork Loins Flour of Flour
Average

Source: Wall Street Journal, Deloitte analysis

7
A shock to the food system |
 Cracks in the global food system during the COVID-19 crisis

Impact of disruptions on consumption consumers. The scrambled supply-demand signals have generated
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about significant changes a paradoxical situation: grocers are limiting shoppers for fear of
in the way consumers acquire and consume food. Most countries shortages on certain food products and urban consumers are
have instituted some form of isolation measures to restrict the struggling to access fresh produce, meat and fish, while farmers
movement of individuals, thus reshaping demand. COVID-19 has are struggling to find an outlet for the very same products.24 The
sped up the adoption of non-traditional food distribution models, plowing of millions of pounds of vegetables back into fields, the
as demand for restaurant-based food decreases while demand disposing of over 750,000 eggs weekly, and the dumping up to 3.7
for online purchases and groceries increases, as shown in million gallons of milk daily are the grim result.25
Figure 5.23 Despite these changes in purchasing behavior,
consumption patterns have remained largely constant in select Consumer spending on food and household goods increased
geographies (e.g., Europe). This stands to reason since food with isolation measures. As countries enter the second wave of
consumption is generally seen as inelastic. the pandemic, the financial toll has the potential to get worse and
food as a share of wallet is slated to increase for the first time in
This manifestation of aversion behavior has affected primary decades.26 Between mid-April and mid-May, weekly consumer
purchasing modalities, thus, while COVID-19 may have restructured spending on non-discretionary goods increased by 24% in China
how consumers acquire food, it did not dramatically alter how and by almost 10% in South Korea.27 During the same time period
much they consume. spending on discretionary items like dining out fell by to 22% in
South Korea.28 Evidence from the Great Recession suggests that
These new patterns of consumption have disrupted the delicate what we are experiencing currently may stay with us for some
balance between supply and demand. For one, bulk food buyers, time. From 2006 to 2010, spending at food-away-from-home
such as education institutions and hospitality businesses, have establishments in the United States dropped by 18% and did not
shuttered and stopped buying food almost completely. This has recover to the 2005 level until 2016.29 If the Great Recession is a
resulted in severe challenges to reallocate the products bound guide, consumers may continue eating primarily at home long after
for bulk buyers to grocery stores, food banks or directly to the crisis ends.

Figure 5. Fluctuations in global foot traffic

Grocery and Pharmacy Foot Traffic Over Time Retail and Recreation Foot Traffic Over Time
10 10

0 0
% Change Compared to Baseline
% Change Compared to Baseline

-10 -10

-20 -20

-30 -30

-40 -40

-50 -50

-60 -60

-70 -70

-80 -80

-90 -90
Feb Mar Apr May Jun Feb Mar Apr May Jun

Brazil Germany India Brazil Germany India

Israel Mexico South Africa Israel Mexico South Africa

United Kingdom United States ABC United Kingdom United States

Source: Google Community Mobility Reports, Deloitte analysis

8
 A shock to the food system | Scenario analysis: Future of the food system

Scenario analysis: Future of the

food system
The fact that this crisis exposes material vulnerabilities in the food value chain have already responded in myriad ways to the
system has become clear and widely publicized. And while many COVID-19 pandemic crisis. The next 6–18 months will be just as
entities have risen to the occasion, adapting their business models critical for these leaders to determine their organizations’ path
and adjusting supply chains to meet the challenge, there is a great towards recovery and thriving in the long-term. Attempting to
deal of uncertainty as to what the food system will look like in the assess what the future might hold is always fraught with risk,
future. This is in part a confirmation of the difficulty in foreseeing which is why a scenario analysis of the crisis and the food system
the duration, severity, and long-term effects of the current health can help illustrate the options facing these entities among the
and economic challenges and their impact on the food system. It is uncertainty. Key questions on the leaders’ minds include:
also a tacit acknowledgement that this is a system that was in need • What is the new external business environment, and how is it
of reform before this crisis emerged. Perhaps it was inevitable that likely to change? As importantly, what structural changes (if any)
a significant shock like this would shine a light on a system that had might we see?
for the longest time prized efficiency over resiliency, sustainability,
and health. The tensions between these competing objectives has • What does this environment mean for the food system, and how
existed for some time, mostly below the surface. But no longer. are these changes likely to influence the sectoral landscape?
And so, many food system stakeholders are forced to contend with • What changes do we need to make as an organization? What do
what the future might bring. Will the food system bounce back to we need to suspend and simplify? Conversely, what should we
its pre-COVID state? How long before it returns to a steady state speed up and strengthen?
and what will the new normal look like? Will other priorities, such
The answers to these questions will vary based on the future that
as making it more nutritious, regenerative, and equitable, advance
emerges.
and force a change in consumption, production, and distribution?

Globally, decision makers in every organization along the food

"The agricultural industry in Mexico is working, but

we expect problems because Mexico has a large
informal economic sector. Mexico imports agricultural
“Consumers will demand more transparency and inputs and pays for these inputs in US dollars, so
visibility to ensure food safety. I expect that multi- depreciation of the peso will hurt farmers and a lot of
national corporations will lead this change.” employees will not have money to buy crops.”

Partner, Deloitte Brazil Partner, Deloitte Mexico

9
A shock to the food system |
 Scenario analysis: Future of the food system

A scenario analysis, while not exhaustive, allows us to identify • Response: The level of collaboration between actors at a
potential futures based on the following two critical uncertainties: community, country, and global level

- Significant collaboration: Collaboration within and between

• Situation: The impact of the pandemic in terms of disease countries to contain the virus’s spread through coordinated
severity and associated economic disruption strategies and best practices (e.g., testing and quarantines)

- Lower impact: Following the rapid peak associated with the - Marginal collaboration: Lack of accountability and breakdown
virus’s spread, the current decline in cases and their in communication leads to distrust and insufficient
severity diminishes as rapidly coordination within and among governments and institutions
to prevent the virus’s spread
- Higher impact: As more economies open up, additional
waves of viral infections emerge, with even more
severe consequences to health and economies

Figure 6. Four global scenarios for the food system

10
 A shock to the food system | Scenario analysis: Future of the food system

Impact of the four scenarios on the food system

Continued commodification

Producers Processors Distributors Consumers

• Governments provide economic • Processors of shelf- • Combination of private • Consumers for the most part
relief for farmers, helping many stable items are able to and public support enables have adequate food supply
farmers survive the crisis and accommodate rising demand. distributors to transition but fewer choices.
return to normal. goods from food service
• Short-term shortages of • Many of the behaviors
to retail during and following
• Smaller farmers, including workers in labor-intensive adopted by consumers
the pandemic.
producers of specialty food processing (e.g., meat, during the crisis wane, but
items, struggle to bounce back poultry) require processors to • Distributors alter their a preference for online
as quickly as farmers with more raise wages in order to retain operating models to meet purchasing and delivery
diversified operations. workers. growing demand for online remains.
purchases and delivery.
• Many smallholder farmers do • Smaller processors • Once restrictions are lifted,
not get the same level of support struggle to recover but some consumers return to more
and backslide into poverty. are able to survive with typical behaviors, but
government support. continue to economize due
to the economic aftermath.
Prices for select goods, such
as labor-intensive processed
foods, increase.

Regulated harmony

Producers Processors Distributors Consumers

• Private sector and government • Persistent social distancing • The demand for traditional • Consumers maintain
coordinate to support measures lead to distribution (e.g. ground) long term habits formed
repackaging and rerouting shortages of workers in labor- remains intact as consumers during the pandemic, such
products intended for retailers intensive processing (e.g., meat, purchase more shelf stable as online shopping and
and institutions, reducing food poultry). These shortages are goods and increase online cooking at home.
waste. alleviated due to private sector purchases.
• Governments collaborate
and government coordination
• Prioritization of strong • International trade continues to provide aid for
to protect the industry and
partnerships across the value as governments coordinate vulnerable populations at
support worker safety but are
chain endures. Local and to maintain the flow of goods, home and abroad.
not entirely eradicated.
regional production increases, but transit is slower due to
• Net importer nations
as governments and private • Processors dependent on enhanced safety measures.
maintain access to
sector companies work to imported inputs maintain
imported goods.
stimulate the economies access to supply as
of local communities. governments continue to allow
imports.
• Producers of specialty products
find some relief as government
supports the sector, though
smallholder farmers continue
to struggle.

11
A shock to the food system |
 Scenario analysis: Future of the food system

Ascendant corporations

Producers Processors Distributors Consumers

• Producers of specialty products • As a result of scarcity due • Distributors with automated • Consumers face rising
oriented towards exports face to ongoing trade disruptions, and organized supply chains food prices, particularly on
falling demand. processors dependent on adapt to new circumstances. imported goods.
imported supply are unable
• Continued labor shortages lead • Labor-intensive distribution is • Consumers with limited
to secure key inputs for their
to large-scale crop losses, as slow to adapt to shifts in purchasing power struggle
products.
farmers are unable to harvest or demand, thus increasing the as limited food production
produce, dairy and other fresh • Larger processors increase supply-demand gap. and challenged distribution
products. inventories to mitigate supply increase the cost of food,
• As border closures continue,
chain disruptions, but smaller contributing to greater food
• More automated and financially variability of transport time
processors cannot afford to insecurity.
secure organizations seize the remains a challenge for
stockpile.
opportunity, leading to further importers and exporters. • Consumer demand shifts
consolidation. Freight prices increase, towards domestically-
leading retailers and available products.
consumers to absorb prices.
• Net importing countries face
food shortages.

Rise of isolationism

Producers Processors Distributors Consumers

• There is continued scarcity and • As governments aim to • Food importers and • Consumers retain preferences
supply-demand gaps. re-launch local food supply, exporters see declining for home cooking and
processors must adapt demand as countries consumption of local
• Producers, particularly product mix to incorporate further restrict food products. Consumers
in developing nations, new inputs and develop exports to retain national continue to value convenience
do not have the capital or access relationships with new stockpiles. and taste, but put increased
to critical inputs and technology suppliers. weight on price, which
to produce or market their encourages cheaper, less
products. healthy eating alternatives.

• Availability of fresh perishable

produce is limited to what is
available regionally within the
country. Some farming areas
have year-round access to
produce while others have
limited, seasonal access to
produce.

• Net exporter countries

restrict food exports to
retain national stockpiles,
which affects net importers,
particularly low income
countries, disproportionately.
Net importing countries
struggle as the pandemic and
associated restrictions persist,
leading to rising food prices
and shortages.

12
 A shock to the food system | Scenario analysis: Future of the food system

Leaders should use these scenarios as a way to

pressure test their current strategy, and to create
contingent strategies for the different scenarios to
best prepare for an uncertain future. Across all four
scenarios, the following themes are expected to
continue and accelerate:

• Increased focus on the link between food

and health

• Continued consumer expectation for digital

engagement with food through e-commerce

• Continued fragility of small-scale producers

and processors

• Rising food insecurity in both developed and

developing nations

In addition to putting measures in place to address

the eventuality of certain scenarios, leaders should
consider the following “no regrets” solutions in the
short term.

13
A shock to the food system |
 Short-term actions

Short-term actions
While there is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has been an Increase flexibility
exceptional shock to the system, certain vulnerabilities existed in More flexible food value chains can adapt production and
the food ecosystem well before the crisis happened. And despite sourcing to absorb supply and demand shocks. As this pandemic
the fact that the dust has not settled yet, it is becoming clear demonstrated, greater visibility, automation, and standardization
that significant measures are required to make the system more enabled some actors within the food value chain to respond more
resilient. Food security—the very reason this system is in place— nimbly than others to fluctuations in demand. During this crisis,
depends on the system’s ability to collectively plan for and respond we have seen this occur by quickly bringing about direct-to-retail
to volatility. Just as the pandemic has disproportionately affected instead of food service distribution, or more recently—direct-to-
the more vulnerable populations, it has disadvantaged them with consumer offerings whereas previously you had only direct-to-
food. We are witnessing a significant crisis made worse by the retailer production and distribution capability.
inability to provide equal access—availability and affordability—to
healthy and nutritious food.
Digital supply networks

In the short term, actors in the food system should take the Adopting technologies that enable supply chain visibility is
following steps to address the exposed misalignment between essential. Improved visibility enables organizations along the value
supply and demand, making the adjustment—as one executive chain to anticipate vulnerable points in the supply chain, shifting
remarked—from Just In Time to Just In Case. from a reactive mode to one that is more predictive. This allows
these organizations to implement risk mitigation measures quickly
and allocate resources to areas most under stress before they
Improve planning break.
Scenario planning
While these scenarios are not meant to be exhaustive and do
not embody the only futures that can emerge, they can be useful
for leaders to understand what contingencies they may need to “Collaboration across the value chain is needed
prepare for. More specific and detailed scenario planning generally in order to meet demand, especially where
allows these leaders to build core and contingent strategies, as well infrastructure capacity becomes end-point agnostic.
as risk mitigation protocols that allow their organizations to react The key is getting food to people versus getting food
and adapt more quickly to changing conditions. to restaurants versus to retailers.”

Integrated planning
“A resilient supply chain is a network of performers
each executing their operations effectively. One
Maintaining transparent and integrated partnerships is critical to
COVID outbreak at any constriction point in the
sustaining a well-functioning and agile food value chain.
chain, disrupts the entire chain. The United States is
witnessing this in meat processing, but other areas
To enable this, companies may turn to integrating select suppliers (like field harvest) are at equal risk. Now, more than
and distributors into a more coordinated sales and operations ever, the trend for more supply chain transparency is
planning. Increasing transparency between partners and aligning in high demand.”
on performance tracking are some of the mechanisms that have
shown high effectiveness. Partner, Deloitte US

In addition to regular operational updates, sharing information with

partners on everything from strategic vision, innovation pathways,
and lessons learned will drive alignment and enable future-
oriented planning along the value chain. Companies that invest in
supplier improvement often promote quality and loyalty.21

14
 A shock to the food system | Short-term actions

Pressure testing the supply chain to identify vulnerabilities Increase diversification & simplification
with inventory positions or certain suppliers is yet another risk Companies can increase resilience by taking additional steps to
mitigation approach. Digital tools such as AI and IoT can be used increase diversity of sources—sourcing from suppliers that vary in
to identify areas of distress along the value chain by providing terms of size and location as well as product mix—and distribution
insight on supply and demand discrepancies, thereby reducing channels to maintain the effective functioning of supply chains.
food losses and optimizing last-mile logistics. Conducting the above, while simplifying products and product
formulations and recipes, will help reduce risk even further.
Supply chain transparency requires tracking data from all
links in a supply chain and sharing that information with key
Sourcing diversity
stakeholders.30 And while the idea of digitally enabled track and
trace solutions is not new, Deloitte industry thought leaders Sourcing locally can not only meet a growing consumer trend, but
believe that consumers may demand more transparency and also reduce dependency on long supply chains and exposure to
visibility to ensure food safety following COVID-19. While this may trade risk.
seem as a limiting measure to some, the technology presents an
opportunity for consumers to better understand the value of food Production diversity
and for suppliers to present differentiating production quality and
Diversity of production and processing provides protection for
dynamically control price for quality.
companies against the risk of interrupted supply of a key ingredient
or reduced demand given the changing consumer preferences or
Increased efficiency
access as seen during this pandemic.
Despite the focus on efficiency within the system as a whole,
there is room for increased efficiency driven by standardization Distribution diversity
and automation. Automated warehouses can more easily pivot to
Farmers and other producers may consider partnering with various
prioritize products in high demand. In processing plants, where
types of distributors and retailers to provide direct-to-consumer
workers are often shoulder to shoulder, greater automation
channels to supplement traditional channels. USDA data from
reduces the risk of virus transmission and protects employees
2007 to 2012, during both the Great Recession and subsequent
against infection.
recovery, indicates that farmers using direct-to-consumer sales
have a higher survival rate.31
An additional area that has shown benefits during this crisis, is
addressing stock keeping unit (SKU) mix. Whereas in the past, the
ability to provide product variety to meet every segment’s unique
preference was viewed as a source of competitive advantage, the
pandemic has demonstrated that a simpler SKU mix allowed for
more nimble and efficient production and distribution.
“There may be an increased focus on local farming
practices and native species to increase resilience.”

“There may be an acceleration of ethical, local

sourcing because this is correlated with sanitary
“One of the outcomes of this crisis may be more shocks.”
regional supply for groceries…the consciousness to
support local communities and local farmers has “Processing may have to adapt to deal with diverse
increased dramatically during the crisis.“ sources (e.g., organic wheat).”

Partner, Deloitte Germany Partner, Deloitte France

15
A shock to the food system |
 Conclusion

Conclusion
Health experts assert that COVID-19 is one in a long line of We have learned that securing food supply, especially for the
pandemics to come in our rapidly globalizing society that is faced most vulnerable populations, must remain a critical priority as the
with environmental pressures, population growth, and strained number of people facing acute food shortages may almost double
health systems.32 to 265 million people globally by the end of 2020.33 This is enabled
in the short-term by reducing restrictions to trade and making
COVID-19 has taken a human as well as an economic toll, and even the availability of supply more predictable for all players along
amid the opening of countries and cities at the time of this writing, the value chain. Moreover, this includes reducing restrictions on
the virus continues to have a significant impact. Some scenarios stockpiles, enhancing productivity measures, and addressing post-
point to ongoing resurgence of the virus and a multi-year health harvest loss more effectively than we have in the past.
and economic recovery. With more uncertainty and risks ahead,
now is the time to address fundamental flaws in the food system While seemingly evident, the link between food and health is not as
so that it can continue to function and set itself up to thrive. That is obvious as it should be. Diets are one of the leading contributors
why this crisis must not be wasted and should serve as a catalyst to non-communicable diseases that affect the quality of life for
for assessing the food system, in a bid to continue to meet future billions of people and are a major drain on healthcare systems. Yet
shocks with resilience. changing the nature of demand has been an almost intractable
challenge due to a host of cultural, educational, political, and
Addressing some of the systemic challenges of the food system will business reasons. In yet another bitter twist of food-health irony,
take time and a coordinated approach that involves governments, the alleged origination of COVID-19 was linked to the consumption
the private sector, consumers, NGOs, and civil society. There of food from lightly regulated food markets and spread due to the
are many forums that have brought these ecosystem partners highly infectious nature of the virus. Additionally, the pandemic
together over time, with some successes, but the coordination of seemed to disproportionally affect those with pre-existing medical
activities among them will become more important going forward. conditions, at least some of which are significantly linked to
The scenarios with increased collaboration result in more efficient diets. A renewed conversation about the impact of what we eat
and effective responses to food system challenges. And while is needed to address and support population health. This would
some of these circumstances were there long before the COVID-19 be consistent with what we know about protective foods, more
crisis emerged, there are a number of lessons from the current personalized nutrition, and a modern approach for healthcare
crisis for all of us to take away. that looks at food as an important element in a preventative care
model.

“Suppliers need to shift gears into new market “Small restaurants, local cafes, bars, etc. are all at
segments and determine how to optimize existing risk. I think the governments will intervene to keep
sales force from outside to inside.” these businesses alive in Europe, but only rich
countries can afford that, and poorer countries
“The crisis is demonstrating problems with single cannot.”
sourcing and dependency in the supply chain. In the
future, sustainability, traceability, and digitization “Countries will have to now consider national food
in the supply chain will become increasingly supply as a security issue, and net importers will be
important.” in trouble.”

Partner, Deloitte Netherlands Partner, Deloitte Ireland

16
 A shock to the food system | Conclusion

These changes would require the support of governments that This pandemic has been a real shock to the food system, but
already bear the brunt of the cost for healthcare. Through updated there might be some good coming out of this crisis, if we use it
policy, governments can modify the incentive structure to also to establish the foundation for much needed improvements.
focus on additional crops beyond the staples—which are not The crisis has already brought with it significant changes to what,
eligible for subsidies (or nearly as much) but only receive crop where, and how we eat, and all the modes of production and
insurance in the case of disasters, making them far less lucrative distribution it takes to get food to get to our homes. Whether these
to produce.34,35 Similar support systems exist globally, whether for changes remain with us for the next six months or six decades
production of livestock and dairy in the EU, or soybean production remains to be seen. In a way, this is the stress test for the system,
in China.36,37 and while the system did not break per-se, we should not neglect
addressing the vulnerabilities it has exposed. Making it more
Another area that garnered significant attention prior to the crisis, resilient in its ability to address severe shocks like the one we are
but much more publicly during the pandemic, has been food loss witnessing is critical, as is the ability to produce and make available
and waste. It's not a new challenge to the food system, and it's one more nutritious, equitable, and sustainable food for all.
that many companies have sought to undertake for both societal
and financial benefits. And while there has been some progress,
by all accounts this remains a stubborn issue accounting for more
than 30% waste and loss post-harvest. The images of farmers
in the United States pouring milk, breaking eggs, and ploughing
“We may see more of a portfolio mindset for
under harvestable crops during the pandemic, has brought this
supply and distribution channels. Players within
topic back to the forefront for many to confront head-on. Data
the value chain realize that if a link does not work
availability, transparency, supply chain visibility, sophisticated
then the whole chain does not work. Our clients
modeling, and improved coordination and knowledge transfer
have started to support Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers,
between actors along the value chain are critical tools. While
and this may be a trend.”
this will not address all the factors leading to food loss and
waste—some of which are infrastructure related, while others
“Australia has not had mass dumping of products
behavioral—it would tackle a significant element of it. Here too,
because some retailers reached out to local
there is a role for the government to play in ensuring that supply-
producers to promote local growers and some
demand disconnects are addressed. Whether at the national or at
retailers expanded the number of suppliers. In
the community level, during a crisis or normal course of business,
some instances, there were packaging challenges
safeguarding vulnerable populations by providing access and
because products were packaged for bulk export
affordability to surplus production is another important function.
and not for individual retail. People have become
comfortable with less packaging.”
Minimizing food loss and waste also has a significant impact
on one more dimension that this crisis has brought into focus,
Partner, Deloitte Australia
the environment and sustainability of how we produce food.
Regenerative production practices that rebalance the intensity with
which we consume nature’s resources will increase the resilience
of the food system as a whole. Farmers, keenly aware of the impact
of climate on their harvests, and of the symbiotic relationship with
the natural elements, will be the immediate beneficiaries of that
focus. Business models that reward more transparent, sustainable
production in collaboration between farmers and other value chain
players, would allow farmers to alter production in ways that are
both commercially viable and economically sustainable.

17
A shock to the food system | Endnotes

Endnotes
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ailToken=5adca235829939983c407ea8034d35f9ZTa1Sfa9zxD3hx7szc3
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workers-catch-COVID-19-in-latest-meat-plant-outbreak-idUSKCN2262QU
25. Dumped milk, smashed eggs, plowed vegetables: Food waste of the
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hunt-for-value-11591700401?emailToken=360de3a56bc4337cc183f
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r59tIlefECYMfgoFchQinedFcONwXCkrscZCy6wAejydSNQu8cYkft
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Q3its0qxcE%3D&reflink=article_email_share
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dampen-us-china-trade/#79721b7e668b

18
 A shock to the food system | Endnotes

28. Tracking spending on food and household goods amid COVID-19. 4 June
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30. Supply chain transparency, explained. 20 February 2020. https://mitsloan.

mit.edu/ideas-made-to-matter/supply-chain-transparency-explained

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future/article/20200325-COVID-19-the-history-of-pandemics

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en/topic/agriculture/brief/food-security-and-covid-19

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37. Subsidies encourage farmers to grow more soybeans. 15 May 2020. http://
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19
Contacts

Global Australia Mexico

Vanessa Matthijssen Salvador Sanchez
Shay Eliaz [email protected] [email protected]
[email protected]

Leon Pieters Brazil Netherlands

[email protected] Caroline Thiemi Yokomizo Randy Jagt
[email protected] [email protected]

Patrick Schunck
Canada [email protected]
Jim Kilpatrick
[email protected]
Norway
Jonathan Farnell
China [email protected]
Jia Ming Li
[email protected]
South Africa
Mike Vincent
France [email protected]
Olivier Jan
[email protected]
Spain
Pedro Rodrigo Pena
Germany [email protected]
Sascha Peter
[email protected] Fernando Pasamon
[email protected]

Ireland
David Hearn United Kingdom
[email protected] Craig Turnbull
[email protected]

Israel
Eli Tidhar United States
[email protected] Barb Renner
[email protected]

Italy Kyle Tanger

Eugenio Puddu [email protected]
[email protected]

20
 A shock to the food system | Authors

Authors
Shay Eliaz Lily Murphy
Principal, Monitor Deloitte Senior Consultant, Deloitte Consulting LLP
United States United States
[email protected] [email protected]

Acknowledgments
Contributors Writers and editors Research and support
Not already listed in the Contacts section
Adi Atlas Sarah Bitar
Alyce Butler Shira Beery Archana Choudhary
Vicky Bruinsma Max Krasilovsky Masha Feingold
Annelieke De Wit Hannah Ouyachi Julien Guiot
William Kammerer Alura Vincent Josh Lehrberger
Benjamin Ninio Stephanie Wenclawski Philip Wang
Ywan Penvern Benjamin Yoxall
Ernest Sicoli Petty
Stefan Popowycz
Miguel Sabater
Evan Sheehan
Daniel Terrill
Luis Vallarta

21
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