Recent research analysing the supply chain of a widely enjoyed ready‑meal curry dish underscores how even simple food products rely on intricate global networks and face multiple risks that mirror broader supply chain vulnerabilities. The study traced the supply chain for a ready‑to‑heat chicken curry meal made by a small or medium‑sized enterprise (SME) and revealed the wide geographic diversity of sources for ingredients and packaging — spanning more than 20 components from over 30 countries.
Researchers say the case highlights how global supply chains have become deeply interconnected and can be vulnerable to disruptions from geopolitical tension, extreme weather events, cyber‑attacks and tariffs, issues that have been top of mind for many businesses in 2025.
While large corporations may have resources to manage complex supplier networks, SMEs often lack negotiating power and resilience capacity when challenges occur. In the curry supply chain examined, small businesses found themselves disadvantaged during disruptions because larger suppliers prioritized their biggest customers.
The study also evaluated three key attributes of resilient supply chains: robustness (preventing problems), recovery (bouncing back after disruption), and reorientation (adapting systems for future resilience). Researchers noted that while robustness and recovery are commonly prioritised, many smaller firms pay less attention to reorientation — the strategic changes that reduce vulnerability over the long term — often due to limited resources and capacity.
Experts suggest the findings illustrate a broader lesson for supply chain planning: even products perceived as straightforward can have highly sophisticated sourcing and distribution footprints, and strengthening resilience across all stages of the chain is critical to maintaining continuity and meeting consumer demand.
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