Marketing Charges for Oranges Sold in Pittsburgh and Cleveland, 1949-50 Season

Excerpts from the report: Price instability has long characterized the market for citrus fruits. The citrus industry has recognized the need for minimizing abrupt changes in price. Grower and shipper organizations have made progress in developing quality standards, and regulated distribution of their product through marketing agreements. Improvements have been made in packing, handling, and sales promotion. In addition, continuous research in the physical sciences has improved the quality of citrus fruits and led to the development of important processed products. Despite the efforts of these groups, abrupt price fluctuations, both within seasons and interseasonally, continue to occur. Pittsburgh and Cleveland are important markets for both California and Florida oranges. The prevailing prices, quantities sold, and varieties available during any given period in these cities depend in part upon seasonal factors, the condition of the crop, and market conditions in general. An introductory discussion of the general pattern of marketing oranges will, therefore, be helpful in analyzing the market for oranges in these two cities.