The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1915-08-30
Fla. Fruits to Bring
Better Prices The
Coming Year

Jacksonville, Aug. 3O-Florida
citrus fruits will be in greater de-
mand and will bring prices much
better than the prices which pre-
vailed last year, according to H. M,
Mouser, sales manager for Chase &
Co., who has just returned from an
extended tour of the leading mar
kets in the United States.
Mr.. Mouser reports crop condi-
tions in the West, Middle West and
Northwest very favorable; that
business conditions in the Eastern
factory centers are good; and that
indications point to favorable
market condition On Florida oranges,
grapefruit and on tangerines.
Mr.. Mouser stated: Last year
at the opening of the season, Flor
ida found itself in possession of an
abnormally large grapefruit crop
with business conditions throughout
the country demoralized and the
consumptive demand greatly re.
stricted.
THE situation is entirely differ
ent at this time, as the coming
grapefruit crop promises to run way
short of last year and all indica-
tions pbint to heavy consumptive
demand right from the beginning of
the season. The large quantities of
grapefruit distributed throughout
the country last season and sold at
low prices created an immense de-
mand, which should help very ma
terially in marketing at satisfactory
prices the crop now on the trees.
Last year at this time California
Valencia oranges of good quality
were in heavy supply and selling ct
extremely low prices.
California Valencias were in
possession of Northern and Western
markets and also moving into the
East at the time Florida oranges
commenced to go forward. Cali
fornia Valencias continued available
until the early Northern Californi Ia
navels were ready for shipment.
Consequently, sales of Florida or
anges in markets west and north of
SIT. Louis and north of Cincinnati
We're limited and it was necessary to
sell the bulk of the Florida move
ment in Southern and Eastern
Markets. which. of course, meant
lower prices than would have pre-
vailed if conditions had permitted
heavier sales in the West and wider
distribution; furthermore, on &C
count of poor business conditions,
thesupport from Southern markets
was limited.
AT the time, however, California
Valencias are in light supply and
selling in Eastern markets at from
VA to So per box more than double
the prices realized at the same time
last year.
"Advices from California indi
cate that their Valencias will prob |
ably be out of the way by the time
Florida oranges begin to go for
ward. This means that Florida or
anges will not go up against Cali.
fornia Valencia competition at the
beginning of this season, and also |
that the trade and consumers who
iiave been doing without oranges on
account of high prices on CALIFORNIA; |
will be anxious to secure Florida Or
anges and willing to pay good |
prices"
Mr.. Mouser stated that on account |
Of the country still being far from
good and the European and Mexi-
;an wars causing more or less of a
disturbed feeling in this country, il
would not be wise at this time, to |
anticipate high prices for Florida
oranges and grapefruit, but that he
toes feel safe in advising Florida
growers that indications point to
good and satisfactory prices