“A state of emergency is becoming the new normal”

2022 proved to be extremely challenging for our supply chains due to raw material scarcity and the resulting speculation on the world market, a lack of packaging materials (including glass which requires a great deal of energy to manufacture), shortages of AdBlue or pallets for transport, the necessary agricultural transition, record inflation and the resulting changes in consumer behaviour, and a severe shortage of skilled workers, not to mention electricity and gas shortages. It was a permanent stress test – for us, for our suppliers and producers as well as for consumers.

We have all been and remain deeply affected by the illegal war of aggression against Ukraine and the consequences for the local population. The inherent dangers of globalisation, which has otherwise brought positive effects, were also thrown into sharp relief, with sudden bottlenecks, inflation and price increases. War presents us with challenges that we have only read about in history books.

Dealing with ever-changing chain reactions in our supply chains suddenly became part of our daily business. Since 2020, one crisis year has followed the next. It is my belief that a state of emergency is unfortunately becoming the new normal, presenting a social, economic and political challenge for us all. Geopolitical and social instabilities require bold decisions and a cool head. We have to learn to keep our eyes firmly on the road ahead and manage any obstacles that come hurtling at us. Crises force us to act quickly, which is why I also believe that talking to one another is more important than ever.

This is especially the case when attempts are made to play one crisis off against others. There are, for example, a growing number of voices from associations that advocate the repeal or postponement of the European farm-to-fork strategy or the EU Supply Chain Act. I consider such reasoning to be disastrous. The agricultural transition and transformation is still necessary, perhaps more than ever.

In short, wherever you look, the world is becoming more complex. But with agility and adaptability, we can overcome the challenges, as we did so successfully in 2022, and face the new year with confidence, even though it may hold just as many challenges as its predecessor. It is crucial to never beg down from our values. Crises can also offer potential and opportunities, because when new successful relationships are formed, they are often particularly sustainable and long lasting. That is why I am confident that those who maintain transparency, openness and clarity towards their partners, be them customers, suppliers or employees, will emerge from the crisis stronger. Because, in times of crisis in particular, resilient relationships are built on trust.