growers and marketing associations are being studied with a view toward incorporating 
the best features of each into the plan to be put forth by the Lychee growers’ 
association. 
One of the first problems to be considered in the marketing program is, of 
course, that of packaging. Now, while it is true that the Lychee is definitely a 
perishable fruit, nevertheless it is not as fragile as one might think. The tough 
pliant outer skin affords excellent protection against bruising and damage in handling 
and serves to keep the fruit in good condition for a rather long time. 
In the past, two methods of packing Lychees have been used. For bulk 
shipment to wholesalers and retailers, the fruit has been placed in mango type 
lugs with adequate packing material such as paper or wood excelsior. The mango 
lug affords proper ventilation and protection for about 8 pounds of fruit. Individual 
packages of one pound net each have been used with good success. This specially 
designed, simply constructed, perforated, brown corrugated cardboard box, 7 inches 
by 3% inches by 2 inches has been used by ‘‘fruit-of-the-month” clubs and for 
direct shipments to individuals. Excelsior packing material is used here also. In 
the Union of South Africa where the cultivation of the Lychee is a very important 
industry, shipments of fresh fruit are made in trays similar to mango lugs with 
good success. 
Practically all shipments in the past have gone forward via parcel post. As 
more fruit becomes available, undoubtediy Railway Express, air transport and even- 
ually car and truck load shipments will be used. Inasmuch as refrigeration pro- 
longs the goodness of the Lychee, the future will bring refrigerated shipments of 
the fruit and a greatly extended period of availability to the consumer. The study 
of local cold storage and cold room handling of the fruit is of immediate importance. 
The fresh Lychee, if properly picked, that is clipped from the tree, and han- 
dled with reasonable care, will remain in a good, edible condition for approximately 
ten days to two weeks without refrigeration. Under refrigeration this time is extended 
three to four weeks and often longer. Speaking of refrigeration, it is of great 
importance to everyone interested in this coming industry to know that the Lychee 
can be quick frozen so successfully that the frozen and the fresh fruits are very 
nearly identical. This fact opens up vast possibilities that cannot be discussed here 
but that will be studied and planned for by the above mentioned association. 
During the season just passed approximately five thousand pounds of Lychees 
were shipped by one concern from this state. For the most part these shipments 
may be divided into three categories; bulk packages to regular wholesalers and retailers, 
bulk and individual packages to the Chinese markets and individual packages to direct 
customers and ‘“fruit-of-the-month” purchasers. At least three-fourths of the total ship- 
ments went to New York City where the demand for the fruit far exceeds the supply 
and where the only attempt at selling the product has been made. There, a few of the 
better class of retail stores have offered the Lychee to their customers and found en- 
thusiastic response and the profit was more than satisfactory. This same situation will 
obtain elsewhere when the supply warrants expansion. From all indications, the Chinese 
population of this country would take all the Lychees produced for many years to come. 
However, with a view toward the future, the shippers have deliberately refrained from 
supplying the Chinese only, even though much higher prices could be obtained from 
this group. 
The fresh Lychee at the present time is distinctly a luxury fruit and will 
remain so for a considerable number of years. The transition from a luxury item to 
a more generally purchased commodity will gradually take place as more trees are 
planted and more fruit becomes available. It is imperative that this transition 
be orderly. 
