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Abstract
This report describes in tabular form the organization and operation of 11 wholesale markets. It includes tables showing the buying, selling, and operating practices of the wholesalers and chains in the markets, and the changes that have taken place during the past 20 years. The information on which the report is based was obtained as part of a nationwide study of wholesale markets. The findings should give public agencies, and other firms in wholesale and shipping-point markets, farmers, and other interested citizens a better understanding of the forces at work in the marketing system for fresh fruits and vegetables. Moreover, these findings should provide a basis for making better decisions in adjusting to the changes taking place throughout the structure of marketing. The basic data for the nationwide study were obtained in 1959 and 1960 by personal interviews with representatives of 2,600 wholesale firms in 52 markets throughout the United States. Information is presented on four major elements in the organization of these markets--market structure, marketing channels, marketing practices, and changes between the 1930's, 1948, and 1958-59.