Berry importers and distributors struggle to source quality produce during off-season supply gaps

Produce distributors face critical supply shortages during winter months (January-March) when major suppliers like Peru experience reduced yields due to weather events and quality issues. Current sourcing strategies fail to provide reliable alternative suppliers, forcing distributors to work with limited inventory, quality-compromised stock (like Polish blueberries with documented issues), and unpredictable availability that disrupts their ability to meet retailer and consumer demand.