Cybersecurity: Why Digital Threats Affect the Whole Supply Chain–and How We Respond as One

In today’s world, we are now more connected than we have ever been in history, but digital security is no longer just an IT concern. It’s also a supply chain issue. So when challenges hit one part of the chain, whether it’s a grower, logistics partner, or retailer, the ripple effects are felt by all of us, right down to the end customer.

The recent high-profile cyberattacks across the retail sector have brought this into sharper focus than ever. But at MWW, we see these moments not just as digital challenges, but as reminders of how important it is for everyone across the supply chain to stand together.

When One Link in The Chain is Affected, We All Are

The fresh produce supply chain is uniquely time sensitive. Whether it’s asparagus from Peru or strawberries from Kent, we’re working with products that you can’t press pause on. So when digital systems go down, whether through a cyberattack or technical fault, every part of the process can be disrupted. This means:

• Orders may be delayed or paused

• Deliveries can face last-minute changes

• Perishable goods are put at risk leading to waste.

• Operational plans need to adapt quickly

• And ultimately, the customer may miss out

However, it’s not about blame, it’s about recognising how closely we’re all connected and how important it is that we respond with understanding, speed, and shared purpose.

Supporting Each Other Through Disruption

At MWW, we’re proud of the relationships we’ve built across our supply chain. When challenges arise, we work collaboratively with our partners to minimise the disruption and protect the things that matter most: quality, trust, and continuity for our customers.

Cybersecurity might feel like a behind-the-scenes issue, but when things go wrong, it affects real people, from farmers to pickers, packers, lorry drivers, quality teams, retailers, and even families at the dinner table. That’s why we all have a role to play in keeping the chain strong and healthy.

Everyone Has a Part to Play

Cybersecurity isn’t just for IT specialists. It’s for everyone.

Here are some tips on how we can all help do our bit to protect our cybersecurity both at home and work:

• Spot and report suspicious emails or links. One click can affect the entire chain, so don’t click on suspicious links embedded in emails.

• Protect your data carefully. This includes order, pricing, and supplier details. Also, make sure you regularly back up your data to either physical or cloud servers.

• Use strong, unique passwords for emails, computer programmes and social media accounts and update them regularly. Also, add numbers in place of letters such as 4 for A or include symbols such as $ or @.

• Speak up early. If you spot any unusual system activity or delays, it could be the first sign of a wider issue. Let someone in your internal IT team know asap so they can investigate.

Building Resilience, Together

While digital threats may be invisible, the impact is very real and very costly. That’s why we believe in open communication, shared responsibility, and responding with compassion and agility when issues arise.

Just as we work together to meet seasonal demand, manage weather impacts, and ensure quality standards, we also stand shoulder-to-shoulder when navigating the digital risks that come with modern supply chains.

Organisation can take a proactive approach to strengthening defences by implementing a comprehensive, multi-layered strategy to protect our systems and data, which involves:

• Continuous staff training on secure digital practices.

• Regular, independent security assessments of our infrastructure and partners.

• Timely application of all system updates and patches.

• Deployment of advanced technologies for threat detection and prevention.

• Robust data encryption and verified backup protocols.

• A practiced incident response plan for swift and effective action

Protecting Trust

Trust is at the core of our business, whether it’s trust in food quality, delivery timelines, or how we handle data. When we protect each other, we protect the trust our customers place in all of us.

Cybersecurity is just one way we show that commitment. Not just for our systems, but for the people and partners behind every product we grow, pick, and pack.

Together, we can stay safe, stay sharp, and keep delivering fresh produce to our customers.