Ensuring Year-Round Fresh Strawberries: A Sustainable Supply Chain Approach

This study aims to develop a sustainable and cost-efficient sourcing strategy for fresh strawberries used in the strawberry jam production of Tantamco’s Fine Foods (TFF), a well-known pasalubong (locally produced gift food items commonly brought home from trips) shop in Baguio City, Philippines. Specifically, the study seeks to identify the key factors causing price volatility and supply instability and determine strategic interventions that can ensure a more stable, affordable, and year-round strawberry supply. Employing a qualitative research approach, the researchers conducted in-depth interviews with strawberry farmers, market vendors, traders, fellow jam producers, and the company’s procurement personnel. The findings reveal that strawberry supply is highly seasonal, peaking between January and April and declining significantly during the rainy and typhoon seasons. Results also show that the strawberry trade is largely governed by informal, trust-based arrangements, which provide flexibility but expose both farmers and processors to risks such as price fluctuations, inconsistent quality, and sudden supply disruptions. Despite this, many farmers expressed willingness to engage in fair and formal partnerships if these arrangements guarantee stable income and long-term relationships. Based on the results of the primary data and further substantiation through SWOT, PESTEL, and value chain analyses, the study proposes strategic measures, including contract farming agreements with selected local farmers, investment in cold storage facilities to reduce post-harvest losses, and the use of simple digital tools for supply monitoring and production planning. These strategies are expected to stabilize raw material costs, improve supply reliability, and strengthen farmer-processor relationships. Ultimately, the study provides a practical and sustainable sourcing framework that enables TFF to remain resilient to agricultural challenges while reinforcing its role as a community-centered and locally supportive brand.