An exploratory study of supply chain risk management in the New Zealand fast food industry

This paper reports on exploratory qualitative research into the current practice of supply chain risk management in the New Zealand fast food industry. The study found that the New Zealand fast food industry depends heavily on import from other countries and overseas suppliers for the large amount of raw materials required by the industry. These suppliers hold dominant power in New Zealand fast food industry. As a result, fast‐food restaurants have limited room for switching to contingency suppliers in disruptive situations, such as natural disasters or earthquakes. Furthermore, the study also shows that the fast food industry has increased vulnerability due to the stringent food safety and health standards and customer's increasing awareness of food safety issues.