SOME SPECIAL ASPECTS OF THE SEASONAL SUPPLY AND PRICE VARIATION OF FRUIT AND VEGETABLE MARKETS

Authors:	T. JANECKE, R.v. ALVENSLEBEN
Abstract: In the long term average the supply and seasonal price on the fruit and vegetable markets is mainly due to the seasonal variation of production and storage costs and/or of the demand. However, in many years a considerable deviation from the normal seasonal variation can be observed. This paper reports on some observations, which have been made on some fruit and vegetable markets in Federal Republic of Germany. Lettuce cycle: If the prices in the early season (May) are high, an overreaction of supply can be observed leading to low prices in July and vice versa. Storable goods, like cabbage, potatoes, and apples: if prices in the harvest season are high, a relatively high share of the harvest is sold leading to relative short supply during the storage season and an extraordinary seasonal price increase. The opposite can be observed if prices during the harvest season are low.
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