LESSON 3
MARKET DEMANDS
FOR FRUITS
HARVESTING FRUITS
Harvesting is picking fruits in their season when they are ready to
be sold or eaten. Harvesting is done at different seasons depending
on the characteristics of each product. Generally, fruits are picked
when they are mature enough. Fruits should reach the market in
good condition.
1.Mangoes, bananas, and papayas are harvested before they ripen.
They should be green and matured.
2.Pomelos and chicos should be picked at the right size and
maturity.
3.Native oranges or dalandans are picked while green They
THE RIGHT TIME TO HARVEST DEPENDS ON
THE FOLLOWING FACTORS:
• 1.The price of fruits on the market – The
beginning of harvest season of any fruit commands
the highest price in the market. This is because the
fruits are new in the market and are not as abundant
as when they are in the peak of harvest season.
• 2.The distance of the farm to the market –
Transportation comprises a big expenditure in
marketing the products. The farther the farm is to
the market, the higher the transport cost. Likewise,
the rate of ripening and deterioration may be
affected by the length of time it takes for the
product to reach the market.
• The period of storage of harvested fruits before
bringing them to the market – The longer the
storage, the higher is the risk of the fruits to
deteriorate. When some products become overripe
and close to deteriorating, they cannot be sold at a
higher price than when they are fresh and at the
right degree of maturity or ripeness.
STORING THE PRODUCTS
• Proper storage of harvest is very important to keep
them in good condition. Most fruits when ripened
are perishable so they rot or decay easily. Therefore
they should be used or sold while still slightly ripe
and firm.
TIPS IN STORING FRUITS
1.Use a wicker basket in storing fruits. This will prevent
the fruits from ripening fast because the holes in the wicker
basket will provide fruits with cool air.
2.Use a durable and clean wicker baskets for handling.
3.Classify the fruits first before placing them in the wicker
basket, depending on the ripeness, size, and shape.
Separate the ripe from the unripe ones.
4.Place the heavy, unripe fruits in the base, and place the light,
ripe ones above, in packing fruits like papaya, mangoes, and
pineapple.
5.Store in a cool, dry place.
6.Store the products in a clean place, free from ants,
cockroaches, and other harmful insects.
7.Handle the fruits carefully especially when placing them in
the boxes or wicker baskets to avoid bruises.
8. Always remember, the better the product, the higher the
price.
TO ENSURE SUCCESS IN SELLING FRUITS, THE FARMER OR SELLER SHOULD
CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING MARKET DEMANDS:
1.Buyers select fruits and other products of good quality,
usually based on size, shape, and appearance.
2.Good quality fruits have the same appearance, size, stage
of maturity, state of freshness, and shape.
3.Fruits should be in their freshest state when being sold.
They can command higher prices.
4.Pack fruits properly in good containers to maintain their
freshness and to avoid cuts, bruises, and blemishes.
5.Price your products based on the current price on the market.
Going with the current price makes your product competitive.
Generally, when products are sold during the peak season, if
your products are of superior quality, you can demand a higher
price . Many consumers prefer to pay a higher price if they feel
they are getting their money’s worth.
WAYS OF MARKETING A PRODUCT
1.Retail- This refers to the sale of goods in small quantities
directly to the consumer.
2.Wholesale- This is the sale of goods in a relatively large
quantity to be retailed by others.
3.Consignment basis- This is an agreement to supply
goods for a definite price and at a specific time.
4.Announcement of products to the public.
5.Direct selling to the market place.
6.Selling through cooperatives.
• Selling by wholesale is advantageous over the retail method
because the producer has a sure market for his products.
The retail method, however, is better because farmers earn
more profits this way.
Marketing through cooperatives is the newest practice.
Farmers from cooperatives in order to earn higher profits, while
consumers get the product at a lower price.
