The state herald., 1897-06-04
CALIFORNIA FRUIT ABROAD.
Why There Is Not Large Demand for
1t In Europe.

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Why There Is Not Large Demand for
1t In Europe.
There is certain to be largely in
creased supply of fruit seeking a mar
ket within the next two years, owing
to the fact that the number of trees
In bearing will be almost doubled with
in that time, says the San Francisco
Argonaut. Last year, in spite Of the
development Of the shipments to tho
eastern states, there was surplus, and
prices received were far below what
they should have been. Shipments to
Europe have been made for a number
Of years, but 1t must be confessed that
the results have been decidedly unsatis-
factory. The first shipment last year
was one of 1000 boxes of plums and
pears from Sacramento. Complaint was
made that some of the boxes were dam
aged and that the fruit was too small,
and the prices obtained were low. The
average price obtained for the pears,
which were Bartletts, was from $l.32 to
$1.92 for fifty-pound box; the plums
brought $l.SO crate. Two weeks later
consignment Of 10000 half-cases Of
peaches. pears and plums arrived. They
were OF good size and quality, and In
fine condition. But the peaches were
sold at from 81 cents to $l.56; the
plums from 72 cents to sl.94; William
pears from ~ to "a cents; Hardys, $l.i4.
The prices were depressed on account
OF the large supplies OF French and
IN nU1t 1taI, f,.,,t t,, ~ rhn
consignment brought rs cents to $1.32
for pean, s1.0S to 1.6S for peaches, and
$1.26 to Sl.iO for plums. A week later
another lot arrived, and brought 72
cents to $l.24 for peaches, As to 81 cents
for pears, and AS cents TO $2,0i for n
very superior quality OF plums. In
September the prices obtained were:
Peaches, sl.Os TO si.32; pears, 90 cents
to $l.32: plums, sl.7i. 1t Is evident tnat
these prices are not sufficient TO justi-
fy large shipments of California fruit
to the London market, when the cost
OF freight. insurance and risk is con-
sidered. Yet, under favorable circum-
stances, there should be large demand
there for the fruit from that state.
Some of the fruit sold last year wGs
purchased by German and Russian buy
ers. and this market could be considera-
bly, increased. The trouble has arisen
from the fact that, owing TO the long
time the fruit is in transit much Of II
has arrived in London In poor condl-
ton. and English buyers are suspicious
and unwilling to take the risk of hav-
ing II spoil on their hands. Again, the
fruit must be sold Immediately upon ar
rival, and In many cases it arrives In
London when the market IL overstocked
with cheaper fruit from other countries.
1t Is shipped to consignees, who have no
interest in the matter save to secure
their commission and charges, and II
the price obtained is not sufficient TO
cover these they have only to draw n
draft on the shipper here to cover the
deficiency. The remedy lies In a re-
adjustment OF the method Of conducting
the business. None but the very best
quality of selected fruit should be sent,
and 1t should be packed with special
reference to the dangers Of the long
transit and frequent landings. More
over, resident agents should DC ap-
pointed in the principal cities Of the
East and Europe. who would be thor
oughly familiar with the different
California fruits. and should be
paid regular salaries instead of COM
missions. These agents, upon being ad-
vised of shipment OF fruit. with full
information as to its condition and
quality. would Immediately set inquiries
on foot as to the demand not only In
the cities In which they are located, but
in adjacent towns and neighboring To-
calities, and make agreements for the
sale of the fruit. conditioned upon It's
being according to representations.
They could keep the shippers here post
ed ut all times regarding the conditions
and prospects of the markets.