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An Examination of the Market Structure of the U.S. Produce Industry

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  • Epperson, J.E.

Abstract

Recent literature, largely from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service, indicates that substantial changes have occurred in the produce industry in recent years. With the rise of retail mass merchandisers and increased concentration in the retail food industry, the procurement power of these large firms reportedly has also increased. With direct buying and contracting, market intermediaries such as brokers and wholesalers allegedly are being bypassed. As a result, these market intermediaries ostensibly are also consolidating, becoming fewer and larger with increased emphasis on servicing the food-service industry. However, the findings of this study indicate that there is no convinc­ ing evidence that the market structure of the U.S. produce industry has markedly changed since the early 1980s. While supermarket concentration has increased noticeably, the same cannot be said for produce market intermediaries such as brokers and wholesalers.

Suggested Citation

  • Epperson, J.E., 2010. "An Examination of the Market Structure of the U.S. Produce Industry," Journal of Food Distribution Research, Food Distribution Research Society, vol. 41(1), pages 1-6, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:jlofdr:162184
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.162184
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Cook, Roberta L., 2001. "Emerging Trade Practices And Trends In The Fruit And Vegetable Markets," Agricultural Outlook Forum 2001 33077, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Outlook Forum.
    2. Calvin, Linda & Cook, Roberta L. & Denbaly, Mark & Dimitri, Carolyn & Glaser, Lewrene K. & Handy, Charles R. & Jekanowski, Mark D. & Kaufman, Phillip R. & Krissoff, Barry & Thompson, Gary D. & Thornsb, 2001. "U.S. Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Marketing: Emerging Trade Practices, Trends, and Issues," Agricultural Economic Reports 33915, United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service.
    3. MacDonald, James M. & Korb, Penelope J., 2006. "Agricultural Contracting Update: Contracts in 2003," Economic Information Bulletin 33903, United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service.
    4. Sexton, Richard & Zhang, Mingxia & Chalfant, James, 2003. "Grocery Retailer Behavior in the Procurement and Sale of Perishable Fresh Produce," Contractor and Cooperator Reports 291974, United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service.
    5. Handy, Charles & Kaufman, Phil, 2000. "Evolving Marketing Channels Reveal Dynamic U.S. Produce Industry," Food Review/ National Food Review, United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service, vol. 23(2), pages 1-7.
    6. Handy, Charles R. & Thompson, Gary D. & Glaser, Lewrene K., 2001. "Recent Changes In Marketing And Trade Practices In The U.S. Lettuce And Fresh-Cut Vegetable Industries," Agricultural Information Bulletins 33601, United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service.
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    Keywords

    Agribusiness; Crop Production/Industries;

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