1921.] 



Marketing of Fruit. 



249 



boxes and barrels now so well known on the markets. Legisla- 

 tion fixing certain standards of grades and packages, and 

 measurements of boxes and barrels, is of more recent introduc- 

 tion. It has no doubt stimulated and hastened forward a move- 

 ment which was started voluntarily. 



The exporters soon realised also, that to secure repeat orders 

 similar classes of consignments should be branded or labelled 

 with distinctive and guaranteed marks, and for continued 

 business a large bulk of a very fevv varieties would be needed. 

 Experience in marketing soon established these facts, and 

 growers in other countries soon adapted their industry to meet 

 these conditions. 



A study of the figures showing the imports into this country 

 makes it clear that the methods adopted in m.arketing imported 

 fruit has given satisfaction. It is true that many of these con- 

 signments reach this country after the home crop has been 

 consumed; but a portion, and an increasing portion, is marketed 

 here in competition with the home-grown fruit. 



The disadvantage in respect of transport to which the imported 

 fruit is placed should serve as a big handicap, yet because of 

 the manner of its presentation such fruit is in favour on the 

 markets, and has in fact made considerable headway in securing 

 a considerable proportion of the trade. For example, in 1919 

 the apple crops in the British Isles were exceedingly heavy in 

 all districts, yet notwithstanding this, 2,967,2vS4 cwt. were 

 imported from abroad between August and December. These 

 imported apples, in preference to the home-grown produce, were 

 eagerly bought up by retailers, in many instances at prices in 

 excess of those realised for our best samples. This fact illustrates 

 the standing in the British markets that has been secured by 

 the imported produce. It has been stated by wholesalers that as 

 soon as the foreign crop arrives they have considerable difficulty 

 in finding buyers for the home produce, simply because retailers 

 and others prefer a standard article on w^hich they can rely to 

 an article which m.ay, or may not give satisfaction. 



Home-grown Fruit. — Something must be wrong with the 

 home industry that such a state of affairs can exist. Is it that 

 the EngKsh varieties of fruit are i-nferior to those grown else- 

 where? Or is it that the fruit is presented to the public in a 

 less attractive manner than the imported? Or do both these 

 factors operate together to the disadvantage of the home-grown 

 article? 



The majority of people would admit truthfully that well-grown 

 English fruit, with its thin skin, juicy flesh, and pleasing flavour, 



