THE MARKET FOR MASSACHUSETTS APPLES 9 



The volume of pears received in Boston is much less than those of the 

 other fruits mentioned, but beginning in July they come into competition 

 with the summer, fall and winter apples, remaining on the market until 

 January or later. 



Table 6. — Carlot Arrivals in Boston of Apples and Chief Comiieting 

 Fruits, 1921-1925 



a. Chiefly grapes and cranberries. 



Wholesale and Retail Distribution 



It is evident tliat there must be a large distribution of apples from 

 certain markets in the state, many small markets receiving their retail 

 supply from these sources. Boston is naturalh^ the greatest distributing 

 point, supplying the entire demand, except what comes from local or- 

 chards, in the Eastern end of the state. The volume of these re-shipments 

 is shown by the fact that the average annu.-d carlot arrivals in Boston 

 exceed the average annual unloads by about 1,000 cars. Wholesalers in 

 other markets in this area, Lowell, Lawrence, Brockton, Taunton, buy 

 through Boston practically all but those apples purchased directly from 

 local growers. In New Bedford and Fall River wholesalers receive apples 

 in carlots directly from New York and other sources and fewer through 

 Boston. 



Worcester wholesalers distribute to retailers in the city and in the 

 small towns in the immediate vicinity. Fitchburg is a distributing center 

 for a large area, which, however, consumes large quantities of home- 

 grown apples. Springfield and Holyoke wholesalers do considerable busi- 

 ness in nearby towns, while North Adams and Pittsfield dealers operate 

 chiefly within their own markets. 



Quantities Purchased by Retailers. 



Formerly retailers bought large quantities of apples at a time, stored 

 them in the best available space and took a chance on the keeping quality. 

 Today most retailers buy from day to day, or at most two or three times a 

 week. Many wholesalers, in discussing this matter, used the expression, 

 "from hand to mouth" to show the small size of retailers' purchases. Some 

 buy one box or two boxes at a time, while others buy from 5 to 10 boxes 

 depending on the volume of business done. A few were reported as buy- 

 ing 2.5 bushels at once. An occasional retailer buys a considerable quan- 



