Mercado e consumo de frutas frescas no município de Laranjeiras do Sul-PR

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate (diagnose) the market and the consumption of fresh fruit in the city of Laranjeiras do Sul-Pr. For this, the research was carried out in shops in the city, in the period between September and november 2014, through questionnaires. The interviews covered the 11 points of sales of fruit and evaluated a sample 317 consumers within the establishments. 19 fruits were analyzed for: quantity, origin and quality of fresh fruit sold at points of sales and consumer opinion about the market, preferences, frequency of consumption of fruits in the same establishments. Among the data analyzed, it was found that in the city are sold annually nearly two tons of fresh fruit, with 79% of the supply of fruit from other regions and not the territory that the municipality belongs. The quality of the fruit arriving establishments was considered low, being considered the transport of the main factors, according to traders. The most consumed fruits are banana, watermelon, orange and apple. The increase in income of the population is directly related to increased consumption of fruit. The price and quality are decisive factors in the fruit trade in Laranjeiras do Sul, for both study groups (merchants and consumers). The two factors could be positively impacted if there was availability, regularly, production closer to consumption centers studied. Fresh fruit market is dependent on the supply from other regions, but traders have great interest in acquiring regional fruits to meet the market, justifying the need to stimulate fruit production in Laranjeiras do Sul and region