The Client and Its Challenge
A major grocery retailer understood the growing levels of risk within its day-to-day business operations. Facing increasing industry competitiveness, private label consumption, demand for ready-to-eat prepared foods, and anxiety from its board of directors, the client was concerned about the adequacy of its business continuity and product recall plans.

The Risk Consulting Solution
The client retained Marsh’s Business Continuity Planning Practice to assess the adequacy of its existing recovery plans. After completing a business impact analysis (BIA), defining recovery objectives, and identifying performance gaps, Marsh consultants assessed alternative recovery strategies and recommended changes that the client incorporated into its business continuity plans. Marsh also worked with the client to establish annual maintenance procedures to ensure that the content and adequacy of the continuity plans were reviewed and tested at least annually.

As a secondary objective to this review, Marsh consultants made recommendations to help reduce the likelihood of a food safety or product recall issue and reduce the client’s exposures to a recall.

Results
With more effective business continuity plans and product recall procedures, the client reduced its overall financial and brand equity risk exposures. Furthermore, the plans align with the client’s business operations priorities and those of the corporate shared services. With established controls to test and update the procedures periodically, the client is able to ensure that the plans remain up-to-date and reflect organizational changes.