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BULLETIN 267, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



There are usually very definite reasons why goods coming to 

 market pass on to consumption through such diverse channels. 

 Among those factors which decide along what course and through 

 what hands perishables shall pass in going from producer to con- 

 sumer are: (1) The condition or tone of the market; (2) grade, 

 pack, and quality of the shipment; (3) district in which the ship- 



Fig. 2. — Main channels of distribution for fruits and vegetables. 



ment originates; and (4) the shipper's knowledge of market con- 

 ditions. 



As a rule, certain types of distributors handle most of the produce 

 coming to market. One principal line of distribution is from grower 

 to car-lot wholesaler, to jobber, to retailer, to consumer. Goods 

 consigned on commission may pass from grower to commission man, 

 to retailer, to consumer. The car-lot wholesaler, commission mer- 

 chant, jobber, and retailer are highly important market factors, 



