Managing Inconsistent Product Availability: A Challenge and an Opportunity

Inconsistent product availability erodes customer trust, disrupts sales, and negatively impacts business performance. With factors ranging from global disruptions to unpredictable weather, how food distributors and retailers manage these issues can significantly affect their competitive edge. In this article, we explore why the ability to manage supply chain risks effectively can help food retailers outperform their peers, especially during periods of heightened demand and unexpected disruptions.

The Hidden Costs of Product Inconsistency

One of the most visible consequences of inconsistent product availability is the erosion of customer trust. Major retailers, including Woolworths and Dan Murphy’s, have faced difficulty fulfilling expected sales over peak trading periods, such as the lead-up to Christmas. This often stems from an over-reliance on a single logistics framework. While it’s tempting to streamline operations, the risk of a single point of failure can become a costly one when unforeseen circumstances arise.

When supply chain disruptions occur, whether due to a pandemic, fuel price surges, or geopolitical unrest, businesses are left scrambling to meet customer demand. Food retail is a competitive environment to work in, and empty shelves lead to dissatisfied customers and, ultimately, lost sales.

The Forces Behind Product Shortages

There are several factors that contribute to the unpredictability of product availability:

1. Global Disruptions:

   • Pandemics, fuel price fluctuations, and global unrest are all significant contributors to disruption in export supply chains. Both air freight and sea-going vessels are affected by delays or price hikes, making it harder for food businesses to guarantee steady supply.

2. Climate Variability:

   • The world is facing more frequent and severe weather events, ranging from extreme temperatures to erratic rainfall patterns. These changes impact the availability of key products—canned beetroot might be in short supply one month, and frozen chips the next. When these issues are not anticipated, stockouts become inevitable.

3. Plant and Animal Disease Outbreaks:

   • Outbreaks of disease in both plants and animals can disrupt the availability of fresh foods. As a result, countries often adjust quarantine measures to protect producers as well as consumers. These evolving regulations can further complicate supply chains and contribute to uncertainty in product availability.

Turning Risk into Opportunity: How Preparedness Pays Off

While many businesses struggle with these unpredictable variables, those who expect the unexpected are more likely to thrive. Mature food and FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) retailers are already accustomed to managing supply chain risks. By diversifying their sourcing strategies and securing multiple supply lines, they can maintain a steady flow of products, even when others face disruption.

Companies that manage supply chain risks effectively offer superior product variety to customers, delighting them with access to items that might be in short supply elsewhere. The ability to pivot quickly and source unaffected product lines during periods of crisis is key to maintaining competitive advantage. By focusing on building resilience in the supply chain, these businesses gain customer loyalty and are well-positioned for future growth.

Jetha’s Approach to Supply Chain Resilience

At Jetha, we understand the importance of managing supply chain risk. As a leading food importer for Australia and Oceania, we’ve built a robust system to mitigate the impact of disruptions. By partnering with trusted suppliers like Super Chef, Funwave, and other category leaders, we’re able to source high-quality products from around the globe, ensuring consistent availability despite the challenges.

Our global food sourcing strategy means we can provide a superior variety of products from multiple origins, whether it’s importing rice, frozen food, or canned food. This diversified approach allows us to offer our customers a consistent supply of curated high-quality foods, even when one of our preferred lines faces a disruption. This flexibility makes Jetha an even more reliable partner for businesses looking to add security to their food supply.

Innovation in Supply Chain Management: Exposing Consumers to New Offerings

In times of disruption, there is also an opportunity to innovate. Companies with differentiated supply processes can not only de-risk product availability but also expose consumers to new and varied offerings. By expanding the range of products available through alternative sourcing channels, businesses can stay ahead of the curve and offer exciting options that customers may not have expected.

For food distributors and retailers, this presents a chance to introduce new products to market while ensuring their existing supply chains remain intact. It’s a win-win: the business continues to meet demand, while customers enjoy a wider variety of products.

Conclusion: Strengthening Your Supply Chain with Jetha

Managing inconsistent product availability is undoubtedly challenging. However, by anticipating disruptions and diversifying their sourcing, businesses that proactively manage their supply chains can survive and thrive. At Jetha, we help our partners navigate these complexities with confidence, offering superior product variety and reliable access to essential food imports. By leveraging our expertise and resilient supply chain, you can ensure your business is always prepared for the unexpected.

Ready to secure your supply chain and offer your customers the variety they expect? Reach out to Jetha today and explore how our global food sourcing expertise can help you stay ahead of the curve.