New Study Finds 30% of Food and Beverage Executives Expect Another Global Pandemic in the Next Four Years

AIB International Study Reveals Industry Sentiment on COVID-19 Impacts and Outlook on Future Pandemic Preparedness

MANHATTAN, Kan.May 4, 2021/
PRNewswire/ —
COVID-19 has given food and beverage companies worldwide a crash course in operating during a pandemic. However, for most of them, their education and preparation doesn’t stop there. According to a new study by AIB International, 78 percent of food and beverage executives say they are actively preparing for a future global pandemic, with 30 percent expecting another one within the next four years and 50 percent expecting one within the next decade.

AIB International commissioned the study to better understand the impact of the pandemic on the food and beverage sector and assess preparedness for future pandemics. Research Strategy Group surveyed 325 senior-level North American executives at leading food and beverage companies, retailers, distributors, and other supply chain partners.

“This research highlights the dramatic impacts felt by so many companies in the industry due to a lack of preparedness. Despite the understandable ‘crisis fatigue’ from grappling with COVID-19 over the past year, it’s clear that now is time to prepare for the future and elevate critical planning to a best-in-class standard,” said Steve Robert, Global Vice-President, Product Innovation, AIB International. “Should a future pandemic occur, improved preparedness will help offset some of the costs and disruption that so many operations have realized over the past year.”

Join AIB International on Wednesday, May 12 for a webinar review of the research findings: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/3969832226378759183

At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, AIB International launched Pandemic Prepared Certification to provide companies with best-in-class planning and protocols for supporting food safety, employee health and business continuity. The certification outlines clear, actionable, and rigorous standards developed with input from academia, government, and industry.

# # #

About AIB International

For more than 100 years, AIB International has partnered with our clients to bring the enjoyment of safe, high-quality food to consumers everywhere. Through customized Training, Inspections & Consulting, Regulatory assistance and Certification services, our global team of food safety and quality professionals has grown to service more than 120 countries and is committed to helping food and beverage supply chain companies to apply the highest standards of integrity. Visit www.aibinternational.com for more information.

Supplier catalog - Services - Leadec