Lisa Anderson, President of LMA Consulting Group, has been featured in a recent article for Confectionary News examining how the ongoing Strait of Hormuz crisis is disrupting global food supply chains and creating significant challenges for manufacturers worldwide.
While much of the attention has focused on rising oil prices, the wider impact extends far beyond energy. Thousands of vessels carrying food ingredients, packaging materials and agricultural inputs have been delayed, placing increasing pressure on manufacturers and suppliers across the globe.
Lisa explains that the first areas likely to feel the impact are those closely linked to oil and liquefied natural gas, including food packaging, beverage bottling, cold-chain products, dairy, protein and processed foods. As shortages of petrochemical-based materials emerge, disruptions can quickly spread throughout the supply chain.
One of Lisa’s key messages is that businesses often underestimate their exposure.
“The largest misconception is that if your primary supplier is not in the Middle East, the closure of the Strait won’t impact you. You are only as strong as your weakest link in your supply chain.”
She notes that organizations may have hidden vulnerabilities through their suppliers’ suppliers, whether that’s fertilizers used to grow crops, specialist ingredients or packaging materials sourced further upstream. Even companies with no direct sourcing relationship in the region can still experience shortages, delays and increased costs.
Lisa also outlines how companies can respond. She recommends frequent reviews of supplier status, lead times and logistics constraints, while highlighting the value of AI-enabled advanced planning systems to optimize inventory, support customers and minimize risk during periods of disruption.
Looking ahead, Lisa estimates that even if shipping through the Strait of Hormuz resumed immediately, supply chains would take four to six weeks to stabilize, with a full return to normal likely requiring eight to thirteen weeks.
As recent global events continue to demonstrate, supply chains are deeply interconnected. Lisa’s insights reinforce the importance of understanding end-to-end supply chain dependencies and building resilience before disruption occurs.
If you are interested in reading more on this topic:
Resilience in Supply Chain of Paramount Importance
Read the full article: 2,000+ Supply Ships Stranded: Iran war puts food security at risk