THE MARKET OUTLET FOR MASSACHUSETTS APPLES 



By Lorian P. Jefferson 



This monograph is part of the general study of the economic aspects 

 of the New England apple industry undertaken by the Massachusetts 

 Experiment Station. It was arranged in order to determine the competi- 

 tive position of Massachusetts and New England apples in both domestic 

 and foreign markets; to analyze the factors which limit the demand; and 

 to determine, insofar as possible, the measures by which the market may be 

 improved. 



Methods 



The information presented was secured by personal interview from 

 wholesalers, both exporters and those dealing on the domestic market 

 only, and from retailers. Consumers were reached by questionnaires. 

 Some were sent by mail, some were secured through the cooperation of 

 public school teachers. The questionnaires were distributed to certain 

 pupils who took them home, filled them out with the assistance of their 

 parents, and returned them to the teacher. Some were obtained through 

 women's clubs under the supervision of the home demonstration agent of 

 Hampden County. 



In retail stores are included chain stores, fruit stands, self-service and 

 individual stores. From each was secured information as to volume of 

 apples handled in a year, sources from which purchased, whether home- 

 grown or Western apples were handled, varieties preferred, quantities 

 usually sold, advertising, nationality and occupation of body of customers. 

 In addition, the investigator formed his own estimate as to the grade of 

 custom, whether the store handled cheap, medium or first grade products. 



The location and character of these stores is shown in the following 

 table. 



Table 1. — Tj-pes of Stores 



City Self-Service Chain 



Boston 5 8 



Brockton 1 16 



I,owell 1 



New Bedford 1 2 



Springfield 1 2 



Worcester „ _ 45 



Miscellaneous 6 



Total 9 79 183 271 



