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Annual Report of the FLORIDA CITRUS EXCHANGE SEASON 1931-1932 C-~~~Zj~ie b r,^ u r A--/ general Manager 4I3~~, Annual Report of the FLORIDA CITRUS EXCHANGE SEASON 1931-1932 ft~ ft ft. * ft. * ft. ' * - . t o 65/. / CONTENTS SEASON 1931-32 .............................. 3 Competition of Tomato Juice .................... 3 Florida's Volume Decreased ..................... 4 Chain Stores in State .......................... 4 Truck Operations Dangerous .................... 4 Bulk Movement Heavy ........................ 6 Economies Effected ........................... 6 FLORIDA CITRUS EXCHANGE SALES ......... 8 Pro-Rating Committee Operations ................. 8 F. O. B. Business Developed ................... 9 Premium Prices Obtained ....................... 10 Export Volume Decreases ....................... 10 Bag Package Continued ........................ 11 Data on V olume ............................. 12 Distribution to Auction and Outside Markets.......... 13 Season's Price Averages ........................ .14 ADVERTISING ACTIVITIES ................... 15 Advertising Volume Limited ..................... 15 Tangerine Campaign Produces Results ............. 16 A appliances .................................. 16 EXCHANGE CANNING OPERATIONS ......... 17 TRAFFIC DEPARTMENT ..................... 18 Rate Cases ................. ........... 19 Proposed Charge for Use of Refrigerator Cars........ 19 Reduced Rates to Eastern Markets .............. 19 Refrigeration Case ............................ 20 Packing in Transit Rates in Atlanta ............... 20 Containers .................................. 2 1 Car Loading ................................ 22 Claims ................................... 22 Clyde Line Strike ............................ 23 American Fruit & VegetablD.e .hip'es' .Convention ...... 23 ORGANIZATIpN1.Afli I SPECTIO:j *:.;.. ..... 23 EXPENSE OF- IPERATION ........ .:'...:'.... 25 APPENICJ *.* ... "" :. A. Grwoers Loan &";wr'rnty opbQwny. ......... 27 B. Exchange Supply Company ................. "* 27 ANNUAL REPORT SEASON 1931-32 The total American production of citrus during the 1931-32 season dropped below the preceding season, but with that single ex- ception was still greater than any other season in the history of the industry. The season totals by cars since 1923-24 by major pro- ducing sections are as follows: 1923-24 1924-25 1925-26 1926-27 1927-28 1928-29 1929-30 1930-31 1931-32 California- 60.732 53,529 73.504 70.600 67.536 73.361 68.175 87,120 75,000* Florida.-- 56,442 49.398 37,445 45.145 36,839 55.875 39,564 74,480 48,670* Texas.... 290 706 1,036 2,106 4,620 2,636 8.000** Total..... 117,174 102,927 111.239 116,451 105,411 131,342 112,359 164,236 131,670 *-Estimated to close of season, exclusive of trucked volume. S"*Includes 2,000 cars truck, figures submitted by W. A. Canon, Market Division, Austin, Texas. This heavy production was marketed in the face of what eco- nomists have described as the most severe economic depression experi- enced in the country since the Civil War. Low prices on Florida citrus, therefore, on a general average maintained throughout the season, although the average net returns to Florida citrus growers have been far in excess of those obtained by producers of other agricultural commodities throughout the United States. Competition of Tomato Juice Citrus producers for the first time this season faced a new deciduous development which has proved to be severe competition and which promises to be a dangerous competitor in future marketing. Tomato juice was practically unheard of three seasons ago. Its com- mercial pack has developed since that time to an estimated grand total of 1,500,000 cases distributed and sold during the past 12 months. This product has been strongly supported by intensive advertising on the part of its packers. As a result a wide spread consumer acceptance exists for canned tomato juice. In most instances this product has replaced citrus juice on the menu and, while there is no method of determining mathe- matically how severely this product has cut into citrus markets, it is apparent that this year-round staple will afford competition of the most severe type. Other commodities competitive to citrus have not abnormally affected the marketing picture. The spring freeze which swept through 3 1108 7 the Southern states during March served to wipe out the spring straw- berry crop with a favorable reaction to citrus in general. Apples, grapes, peaches, pineapples, etc., have maintained normal movements with respect to volume. Further, cantaloupes from the Imperial Valley, because of weather conditions, have been delayed about thirty days. Florida's Volume Decreased The final totals for the Florida citrus crop were considerably under the original estimates for the season. An unprecedented drought maintained throughout the belt practically the entire season, with a consequent heavy dropping. Fruit, because of the lack of rain, sized up much smaller than usual, forming another factor in the shortened volume. During February severe windstorms swept the state and shook additional totals from the trees. All of these factors contributed to the general rise in the market experienced during the latter part of the season beginning in April. Developments in the industry this season made apparent in the marketing of Florida citrus have emphasized more than ever before the necessity for unity of thought and organized action in the mer- chandising of Florida's citrus crop. Chain Stores in State Probably the most alarming of these recent developments is the entry of chain stores into the growth, tree purchase and shipment of fruit within the state. This development of chain store control of the product within the state seriously will affect future citrus markets. It has been authoritatively stated that chain stores in control of 20% of the milk supply can prevent the advantageous stabilization of prices on that commodity from the producer's standpoint. This is inevitable, as the far flung retail outlets of these units can dispense volume pur- chases made at a low price in such a manner as to force retail com- petition to drive the price on the balance of the commodity in line. If this situation is developed to this point in Florida citrus, the industry faces a most serious problem-one which can be met only through complete grower organization. Either citrus growers must control their product through their own marketing system, or it may be controlled by chain stores. Truck Operations Dangerous The development of trucks as carriers and their operators as nomadic and largely irresponsible sales agents for Florida citrus has been another factor of considerable importance in the movement of this season's crop. The apparent price advantage obtained by the sale of fruit to these carriers at the packing house is sacrificed in the mar- keting of the balance of the crop handled through standard channels. In those markets reached by trucks filled with bulk fruit, driven day and night with low overhead, a heavy price toll is paid by the standard packs which must meet this price competition. Government check on the truck movement of citrus from Florida was maintained this season through December. The total moved by these carriers to January 1st was 833,572 boxes, over half of which moved in the single month of December. Truck sales did not begin to decline appreciably until March of this year, and thus the total movement for the season undoubtedly is many times the total of the recorded period. The trucked volume, therefore, has become a large factor in the movement of the total crop. An examination of its wide spread distribution illustrates the menace which exists unless some control is exercised. One truck load sold at low prices in an average sized market will affect negatively the prices on three cars of packed and graded fruit. Disregarding those markets in which less than 50 boxes of fruit were unloaded by trucks during the recorded period, the distribution maintained by these carriers affected 964 towns extending as far into the West as Evansville, Ind., with 840 boxes, and as far into the East as Buffalo, N. Y. with 480 boxes, as compared with total Exchange unloads in these markets for the same period of 1,140 boxes and 16,720 boxes respectively. A picture of this distribution is available in the map on the follow- ing page. Careful examination of this reveals many markets heretofore profitable for volume car lot unloads which can no longer be entered with standard packages. Where such markets as, for instance, Bir- mingham, Ala. received 52,440 boxes of Florida Citrus Exchange un- loads alone during the 1930-31 season, during the present season only 18,240 boxes of Exchange fruit in standard packages were unloaded. Assuming that Birmingham received competitive fruit in the same pro- portion as Exchange fruit, which that season amounted to 40.1 % of the total crop, Birmingham represented an actual market for 131,100 boxes of Florida fruit in standard packages during 1930-31. The industry therefore sacrificed this market for 131,100 boxes of standard packaged fruit to sell 25,'290 boxes by trucks during the four months recorded period, or possibly 40,000 for the season total, by truck. Similar conditions in many other markets might be cited where a small volume of truck distribution has replaced an appreciable previously maintained distribution of fruit in standard containers. Bulk Movement Heavy Car lot bulk fruit also moved this season in unprecedented volume. It will be noted in succeeding tables that of the total car lot shipments made by the Florida Citrus Exchange, approximately 15 % exclusive of the truck movement were bulk. This condition inevitably created further merchandising problems. While there are certain competitive advantages in some markets to be gained through bulk shipments, the general uncontrolled flow of bulk fruit from the state has served to seriously impair price conditions on the regularly packed volume. The situation created by this fruit, however, is by no means as serious as that caused by the truck movement. Certain adjustments have been made in the handling of bulk fruit through the sales department. With the proper cooperation of Associations, the difficulties experienced in the handling of third grade and trade marked bulk fruit can be eliminated in the future. A de- tailed plan on this phase of the sales work will be submitted during the summer. The successful handling of all these factors require a closely knit, smoothly functioning, thoroughly cooperating organization through from the Tampa office to the smallest Association. Such an organization alone can achieve success. Economies Effected A policy in the operations of the Florida Citrus Exchange has been developed which will concentrate all activities solely upon the promotion and sale of Exchange growers' products. All other activities, even though apparently allied to this general objective, will be abandoned. The operation of this policy, together with a reduction in estimated volume through the season and for the coming season has made pos- sible very definite economies which have been effected by the Florida Citrus Exchange. On July 31, 1931 salaries of employees in Florida and in the markets which exceeded $100 a month were reduced 10%. An ad- ditional 5% reduction on all salaries above $125 a month became effective April Ist, 1932. Re-arrangement of departmental activities where experience has indicated adjustments could be made without loss of efficiency and the discontinuation of certain other activities have also been made. The savings accomplished by the reductions in salaries, the re- arrangement of personnel and re-alignment of operating functions will total close to $100,000 during the ensuing season. The Florida Citrus Exchange withdrew from the Florida Citrus Growers Clearing House Association prior to the beginning of the season. This action resulted in the saving of 2c per box on total Exchange shipments. These savings effected in the Tampa office amount to a con- siderable total. They effectively prove that the Board of Directors has made every possible effort to eliminate all unnecessary overhead and to conduct every necessary operation of the Florida Citrus Ex- change in the most economical manner consistent with efficiency and results. They are reflected in the fruit returns made by the Florida Citrus Exchange to its Sub-Exchanges. There the responsibility of the Exchange at present ceases. It be- comes the function of the Sub-Exchange and the Association to see that these savings are reflected just as effectively in the returns made to individual grower-members. In other words, while the Tampa office is bending every effort to effect these economies, it is just as important, and even more so, that similar reductions of expenses be accomplished in the operations of the Sub-Exchanges and Associations so that not only can the Tampa office savings be reflected in grower returns, but also an additional saving of an equivalent or greater amount may be returned to the growers. The finest organization argument to influence the grower to join the Florida Citrus Exchange is the higher returns he has received or can get by shipping through the organization. These returns must be actual in dollars and cents. And the responsibility for these returns rests equally upon the local Association, the Sub-Exchange and the Florida Citrus Exchange. The organization as a whole has everything in its favor to enable it to reflect just such a picture. All units operate at cost. And if an organization efficiently operated at cost cannot show a decidedly lower price for the same operations that are charged by an operator who I must make a profit above these costs, given the same volume and varieties, then inefficiencies exist. In addition to these savings of profit which must be reflected in growers' statements, there are also the economies which can be obtained on volume operations. With 40% of the total crop, the organization has the necessary volume which can and should produce such additional savings. It is well to remark in this connection that many Exchange Asso- ciations have made long strides to this end. Some are advertising a total house retain on fruit as great in some instances as 40% below competitive house charges. This condition made standard in all Asso- ciations, volume and varieties considered, would practically answer the organization problems of the Florida Citrus Exchange. FLORIDA CITRUS EXCHANGE SALES Sales activities of the Florida Citrus Exchange continued depart- mentalized under the Sales Manager by varieties-oranges and grape- fruit. This concentration of effort and responsibility for definite com- modities has resulted in an appreciable co-ordination in the work of the entire department. A closer contact between producing sections and sales requirements has been developed and maintained through the use of a Pro-Rating Committee. This committee consists of three Sub-Exchange managers and the Sales Department heads. Pro-Rating Committee Operations Regular meetings of this Pro-Rating Committee were held weekly throughout the season. These meetings concerned general routine mat- ters which came up during the week relative to crop conditions, the movement of fruit and other factors affecting the markets, prices, Sub- Exchanges or Associations. At each meeting a report was presented from each Sub-Exchange indicating the number of cars of oranges, grapefruit and tangerines which each unit expected to ship the following week. After a decision as to the total number of cars of each com- modity which should be moved during the following week, the amount was pro-rated among the various Sub-Exchanges in accordance with available supplies. On the following Wednesday each Sub-Exchange made an addi- tional report to the Sales Department advising the number of cars actually shipped for the week to that Wednesday, and also the prospect- ive number to be shipped during the balance of the week. The Sales Department then was able to advise with the Sub-Exchanges under the then current market conditions as to whether shipments should be speeded up or retarded. This information received twice a week from the Sub-Exchanges placed the Tampa office in a position to keep an accurate regulation 8 over the movement of the fruit and to take advantage of any market conditions which offered a possibility of securing higher prices. This work was supplemented by daily reports of fruit supplies on hand in each Association made by the Association to the Sub-Exchange and thence to the Tampa office. This daily inventory of fruit on hand in the packing house, together with the number of cars which each Association expected to ship the following day, placed both the Sub- Exchange and the Tampa office in a position to know where supplies were available for orders and whether supplies were too heavy or too light. Association picking operations thus could be intelligently regu- lated. This system also tended to avoid heavy over supply of fruit held for storage by the Association. This detailed co-ordination of marketing and field operations through the functioning of the Pro-Rating Committee, together with the development of sales policies in these meetings, produced a sales flexi- bility of sufficient scope to meet in the best possible manner the unusual market conditions which existed throughout the season. This perfec- tion of detailed handling methods has proved to be of marked ad- vantage. F. O. B. Business Developed The Sales Department again concerned itself with the development of as many f. o. b. orders as possible. This necessitated the loading of special orders. A desk in the Sales Department was continued on handling special orders and following up mixed cars in markets where buyers were un- able to purchase in full car load lots. This feature in handling sales enabled the Exchange to develop a considerable volume of new busi- ness. Further, it has aided a number of small Associations who were at times unable to load straight cars of any one variety to handle this business to advantage. Through the Division and District Managers, a close contact with trade requirements in the individual markets was maintained throughout the season. Regular outlets for Exchange brands were built up and the trade, as far as possible, was supplied with sizes and assortments of these brands to meet their requirements. This work has been very beneficial to the organization, especially during periods when the auction markets were depressed with heavy supplies and f. o. b. business was at a premium. That this specialized work, coupled with the general merchandising operations of the Ex- change, has paid is evident from an examination of comparative price averages in the two leading auction markets of the country-New York and Chicago. These two markets serve as price barometers not only for adjacent auctions, but for the numerous and densely populated private sales territories near them which are constantly being worked by the Exchange Sales Department. These auction records are public property and, as such, serve as a fair indication of comparable condi- tions in these smaller markets in which no records are available. Premium Prices Obtained During the month of April, the fruit sold by Florida Citrus Ex- change the Chicago auction brought an average price of $3.57 per box for all varieties, grades and sizes. During the same month the fruit sold by competitors at auction in Chicago averaged $3.12 per box for all varieties, grades and sizes. Exchange growers, therefore, received 45c per box more on the general average than competitive growers received. For the entire season through April 30thin Chicago the Florida Citrus Exchange general average for all varieties, grades and sizes was 20c per box higher than that of competitors. The sales situation in the New York auction for the month of April and for the entire season through April discloses a similar condition to that of Chicago. During April the Exchange sold 173,902 2 boxes at an average of $3.56 per box for all varieties, grades and sizes. Com- petitors during the same month sold 410,292 boxes averaging $3.27 per box for all varieties, grades and sizes. In other words, the Ex- change obtained 29c per box more than competitors obtained on the general average for all fruit sold in New York during April. The average for the entire season shows a premium of 22c per box in favor of the Exchange. Export Volume Decreases Florida Citrus Exchange export sales for the season were 19% less than during the 1930-31 season. This decline in volume was caused principally by the fact that Great Britain went off the gold standard in October of 1931. The English pound dropped from par to figures as low as $3.28. Another factor which influenced this decline, was the tariff of 10% on all citrus imports enacted by the English Parliament. Under such conditions, the Exchange export volume this season may be considered satisfactory. Export sales averaged $1.14 per box f. o. b. Tampa, as compared to an average during the same period of $1.45 f.o. b. Tampa for domestic sales. This difference in price also may be attributed to the deflation in the English currency and the duties. Export shipments were confined mostly to extremely small sizes and the comparison of sales on these sizes alone in the domestic mark- kets is favorable with prices received at export on the same sizes. The percentage of the Mor-juce grade of fruit in the export vol- ume this season has increased. Last season was the first time in history that the organization ever had exported fruit of Mor-juce grade. The total during that season was one-third of the volume exported. During the past season, however, the volume of Mor-juce increased to slightly more than 50% of the total. I Shipments were made almost wholly to London and Liverpool. From these points the fruit was distributed to.Birmingham, New Castle, Manchester and Hull in England; Glasgow in Scotland; Paris, Hamburg, Bremen, Antwerp, Copenhagen, Rotterdam, Oslo and Zurich on the Continent. The methods and facilities employed in the sale and distribution of Exchange grapefruit in foreign countries is satis- factory. The services of two of the best receivers in the United King- dom are used. One sells almost exclusively at auction and the other to the same extent at private sale. Thus distribution and sales to every available channel are assured. Export sales of grapefruit to the United Kingdom this season from Florida will total approximately 500,000 boxes, as compared to 600,000 for the preceding season. With the increasing production of grapefruit, the development of the markets in the United Kingdom and Continental Europe must be continued. Bag Package Continued The bag container for citrus was developed by the Florida Citrus Exchange and used exclusively by the organization in the commercial movement of the 1930-31 season. A total of 705 cars were shipped by the Exchange during that season. Orders were available for more than twice this volume and could have been filled if packing facilities and fruit had been available. This entire business brought a premium above the market for the same grades and sizes of fruit. Developments in the bag industry eliminated the possibility of a continuation of the exclusive development of the bag business by the Florida Citrus Exchange, with the result that other operators in the state came into the deal during the 1931-32 season. The total ship- ments from the state for the season increased slightly over the preceding season. The Exchange movement, however, dropped from 705 cars to less than 150-not 20% of the total state's bag movement. There are essentially two basic reasons why the total bag business in the state did not increase anywhere near in the proportions indicated as possible by the 1930-31 operation. In the first place the Florida Citrus Exchange had maintained throughout its entire movement an abso- lute standard of uniform grades for both Seald-Sweet and Mor-juce fruit as packed in bags. Other shippers when they came into the pic- ture did not maintain these strict grading regulations, with the result that consumers to a large extent lost confidence in the package. The Exchange shipments decreased very materially, primarily be- cause of the low competitive prices which maintained on the fruit packed in bags. Wherever orders could be obtained at the market for fruit properly graded, the Exchange accepted and filled such orders. Due to the general tendency to degrade the package, however, with inferior fruit, the Exchange could not compete in the matter of price and still protect its growers. Sufficient commercial movement, however, has been maintained on this package to prove definitely its value in the movement of citrus. Given more satisfactory regulations so that consumer confidence can be restored and maintained, there is no reason why this business should not increase materially to the advantage of Florida growers. Data on Volume Total shipments of Florida citrus fruit for the season of 1931-32 through May 22nd decreased 32.4% under the same period of the preceding season. The details are as follows: 1931-32 1930-31 Decrease Oranges .23,868 Cars 36,333 Cars 12,465 Cars Grapefruit .20,467 Cars 30,414 Cars 9,947 Cars Tangerines 3,794 Cars 4,440 Cars 646 Cars Total .48,129 Cars 71,187 Cars 23,058 Cars 32.4% The Florida Citrus Exchange shipments during the same period reflect a comparable decrease. The data by varieties arranged to show a comparison with the above table of state's shipments for the reported periods follows: 1931-32 1930-31 Decrease Oranges 8,851 Cars 15,564 Cars 6,713 Cars Grapefruit 7,353 Cars 13,280 Cars 5,927 Cars Tangerines 1 833 Cars 1,953 Cars 120 Cars Total .. .18,037 Cars 30,797 Cars 12,760 Cars 41.1 % The above figures show the Exchange totals through May 22nd. It is probable that the percentage of Exchange fruit will be increased somewhat when the final figures for the season are available, as almost all the fruit remaining in the state is controlled by the Exchange. On the other hand, the final percentage for the season of Exchange control will be somewhat under that of last season because of the heavy buy- ing of fruit on the trees. The cash buying this season has been heavier than ever before in the history of the industry and, since such purchases are made by or through independent operators, the fruit is lost to Exchange packing houses and sales. A satisfactory balance of fruit sold at auction and private sale has been maintained throughout the season. This detail through May 21st as compared with the season 1930-31 is listed in the following table: DISTRIBUTION TO AUCTION AND OUTSIDE MARKETS As of May 21st, 1932 (Carlots) MARKET Oranges Grapefruit Tangerines Mixed Totals Auction 3170 2330 851 1113 7464 50.8% 40.3% 65.4% 52.4% 48.3% Outside 3071 3453 450 1011 7985 49.2% 59.7% 34.6% 47.6% 51.7% Total . 6241 5783 1301 2124 15449 Cannery & Truck Sales ............... ................. 2206 Exports, Carlots ............. ............ ........... 129 Rolling Unsold: To Auction .......... 107 To Outside ........... 69 Diversions ........... 39 Total .............. ............. ....... 215 In Storage ................... ............ .......... 38 GRAND TOTAL (SHIPMENTS) ......................... 18037 SEASON 1930-31 MARKET Oranges Grapefruit Tangerines Totals Auction 5623 3320 1208 10151 46.1% 35.3% 66.5% 43.4% Outside 6559 6069 598 13226 53.9% 64.7% 33.5% 56.6% 12182 9389 1816 23377 Cannery, Juice and Truck Sales ......................... 644 I Exports ....... ...................... ............ 170 Rolling Unsold: To Auction .......... 184 To Outside .......... 209 Diversions ............ 141 534 In Storage ....................... ... ................ 275 GRAND TOTAL (SHIPMENTS) ......................... 30797 The comparative distribution by divisions for the present and past seasons, with percentages by varieties, follows: Season 1931-32-May 21st Division Oranges Grapefruit Tangerines New England 849 9.59% Eastern 3706 41.88% Southeastern 394 4.45% Southern 519 5.86% Cincinnati 725 8.19% Mid-Western 1290 14.58% Northwestern 4 0.04% Southwestern 18 0.20% Miscellaneous 1346 618 8.40% 2327 31.65% 191 2.60% 282 3.84% 777 10.57% 1699 23.10% 224 3.05% 29 0.39% 1206 159 8.67% 947 51.67% 34 1.85% 28 1.53% 115 6.27% 386 21.07% 14 0.76% 0 0.00% 150 TOTALS 8851 7353 1833 100% 100% 100% Total 1626 9.01% 6980 38.71% 619 3.43% 829 4.60% 1617 8.96% 3375 18.71% 242 1.34% 47 0.26% 2702 Season 1930-31-May 2nd Oranges Grapefruit Tangerines Total 1067 703 154 9.56% 7.43% 7.88% 4880 2433 1085 43.69% 25.72% 55.56% 738 291 70 6.60% 3.08% 3.60% 923 392 45 8.26% 4.14% 2.32%' 1021 894 166 9.14% 9.45% 8.50% 1959 3041 427 17.55% 32.14% 21.84% 4 300 1 0.04% 3.17% 0.03% 10 31 0 0.09% 0.32% 0.00% 566 1375 5 18037 11168 9560 1953 22581 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% This distribution has been made to customers, towns and states as follows: Customers sold ........... 737 New customers sold ....... 158 Towns sold ............. 301 New towns sold .......... 34 States sold .............. 44 Canadian provinces sold .... 6 Season's .Price Averages An analysis of the accounts of sales up to and including May 10th obtained on all grades and varieties of Exchange fruit are shown in the table below. In considering these prices it must be remembered that they are f. o. b. Tampa, with sales and packing retains yet to be de- ducted: AUCTIONS Oranges ..............$ 2.32 Grapefruit ............. 1.46 Tangerines .............. 1.93 TOTAL ..........$ 1.96 PRIVATE SALES Oranges ...............$ 2.25 Grapefruit .............. 1.45 Tangerines ............. 1.58 TOTAL ..........$ 1.81 1924 8.52% 8398 37.19% 1099 4.87% 1360 6.02% 2081 9.22% 5427 24.03% 305 1.35% 41 0.10% 1946 EXPORT Grapefruit .............. $ 1.14 BULK Oranges ............... $ 1.30 Grapefruit .............. .81 Tangerines ............. .99 TOTAL ..........$ 1.10 ADVERTISING ACTIVITIES The advertising activities of the Florida Citrus Exchange during the past season have been restricted somewhat more than usual due to a volume decrease below original estimates. This loss of volume may be traced primarily to the drought and subsequent windstorms. The shrinkage suffered through these factors, however, has been increased in their effect on the advertising budget by the heavy truck and bulk movement which took place throughout the season. On truck fruit no advertising revenue is received whatever, and on bulk fruit only 2c per box is received on that which clears through the Tampa office. Advertising Volume Limited With this sharply restricted revenue below the original estimates, the advertising of the Exchange has of necessity been limited in scope. A 24-sheet poster campaign planned for three months was operated during the month of January in the 25 largest markets for Florida fruit and discontinued for the balance. Two-sheet poster advertising on the subway and elevated station platforms of New York and Chi- cago was purchased and used through a four months period. Publication advertising was limited in scope and paralleled di- rectly with sales requirements. As an example, tangerine advertising copy was released in the newspapers of certain markets selected for the development and promotion of this commodity. These markets located in the middle and far West were of normal buying power, but had not received any commercial volume of tangerines prior to this effort. In handling these new, as well as other, Mid-Western markets, tangerines of choice grades were packed and used in the distribution. The first grades of tangerines were boxed for sale at auction. A new bushel box container developed primarily for tangerines permitted a satisfactory distribution in the West on these choice grades. This ac- tivity considerably relieved the larger auction markets of gluts on Exchange brands, permitting a better general average price to be real- ized, not only on boxed fruit, but that packed in other containers as well. This distribution effort on the part of the sales department was backed up in these markets by intensive dealer sales and newspaper advertising work. New markets have been opened and consumption in old markets has been increased. This added popularity of the tangerine secured by this merchan- dising effort has been of value this season. The advantage does not end here, however, as the cumulative effect of this work will carry through future seasons for the benefit of the general market. This ef- fort greatly increased the percentage of tangerines sold by the Exchange at private sale over any previous season's operation. It has paved the way for further and greater activity in this direction in future seasons. Tangerine Campaign Produces Results That it has paid is evident upon an analysis of tangerine prices in the New York and Chicago auction markets for the season 1931- 32. These markets more than any other were relieved by the intensive merchandising work of the Exchange in these Western private sales markets. During the season the 18,3155/2 boxes of tangerines sold by the Exchange on the New York auction returned $72,894.35, or $3.98 per box. Florida competitors sold during the same period 23,707 boxes of tangerines for $81,651.50, or an average of $3.44 per box. The sales margin in favor of the Exchange tangerines for the season, therefore, is averaged at 54c per box for the period. A comparable analysis of the Chicago auction market shows 31c per box average premium received on Exchange tangerines over com- petitors. These figures definitely prove the value of the merchandising work done on tangerines this year. It is important in this connection to remember that this past season was merely the first work of this nature applied on this commodity. Future seasons should produce like and cumulative results. General dealer service work was performed as usual through the major markets of the country. Crews operating from divisional head- quarters in New York, Chicago and Cincinnati covered a total of 23,124 retailers; installed 10,091 window displays and used 182,- 296 pieces of branded display material. The Exchange also financed fifty per cent of a joint Clearing House and Exchange emergency advertising campaign on grapefruit. This money was spent in newspapers and radio broadcasts in the five major Florida grapefruit markets of the country. Appliances A total of 5,000 new model Seald-Sweet juice extractors were sold to consumers on the $1.00 premium basis throughout the country during the past season. These extractors carry the trade mark into the home and keep it there permanently, while the machine itself actively increases the consumption of citrus in that home by making the preparation of the juice easier. 16 The new power model Seald-Sweet extractor developed during the early part of the season for sale to soda fountains, restaurants and hotels has been delayed in production. This unit, upon distribution and sale, will deliver an entirely new outlet of distribution to Florida grapefruit growers. The tremendous soda fountain market today is denied grapefruit through the lack of facilities for the preparation of the juice. This machine will open that channel. It is expected that initial deliveries on the power model extractor will be received early in the fall. A total of 25,000 Seald-Sweet Health booklets were distributed to interested consumers on request throughout the country during the past season. EXCHANGE CANNING OPERATIONS In developing a profitable market for the off sizes of its members' fresh fruit, many affiliated Associations have built or leased and oper- ate canning plants. The Florida Citrus Exchange acts as sales agent for these production groups in the same capacity as it functions on fresh fruit. During the past season the Florida Citrus Exchange Canning Division operated through four units-Lake Wales, Arcadia, Bra- denton and Tampa-and packed a total of 133,377 cases of canned grapefruit hearts and juice. The Lake Wales unit operated steadily through the season, but the other three units accepted fruit just as the growers saw fit to place it at the plants. This lack of consistency of fruit delivery brought the operations in the last three units down to approximately a three weeks total for the season. These canning plants are owned and operated by local Associa- tions in line with the canning operations policy established by the Board of Directors some 12 months ago. The canned goods sales depart- ment operated by the Florida Citrus Exchange functions on canned goods on a retain basis in the same manner and with the same rela- tionships as the fresh fruit sales department handles the distribution and sale of the fresh fruit for Associations. Wide distribution of Seald-Sweet canned grapefruit and grape- fruit juice has been effected during the 12 month's sale operation on the product. An effective brokerage organization actively working on sales under the Exchange Seald-Sweet label has been constructed throughout the United States and Canada. In the development of this sales organization on canned fruit, the Exchange has found it possible to obtain the best brokers in each market because of its nationally advertised label and the potential volume of the product under this label. The extent of this canned goods sales organization is illustrated in the map on the following page. 17 A The juice plant at Florence Villa has been re-arranged and is being operated by the Florida Juices, Inc. A new process for the canning of orange and grapefruit juice is being used at this plant in a commercial experiment which will amount to a small volume during the present season. If the new process proves its merit, its use un- doubtedly will be extended throughout all canning operations. The quality of the pack put up under the Seald-Sweet label was exceptionally good this year. When sold, it should net the growers fair returns. In any consideration of canning operations it should be remembered that the grower himself controls the price of the fruit. The canners will pay just as little as is necessary to get the fruit for their operations. If growers are willing to let that fruit go for 10 to 15 cents a box, no canner is going to pay 40 or 50 cents, even though his operations justify that price. This situation is another which can be controlled only through grower organization. The growers control their source of supply, can place it in their own canneries and can build up a profitable domina- tion of the canned goods market. Without organization in this direc- tion, however, the canners will more and more dominate the producer. TRAFFIC DEPARTMENT During the 1931-32 season the Traffic Department, in addition to handling the routine diversion and claim work of the organization, has been actively engaged in handling various specialized matters, all of which affect the Florida citrus movement. Chief among these are the following: Rate Cases During the summer of 1931 the railroads made application to the Inter-State Commerce Commission for authority to increase all freight and refrigeration charges 15%. The railroads submitted their case to the Inter-State Commerce Commission at Washington, D. C. commencing July 15th. The Commission thereafter held hearings throughout the country to enable shippers and receivers to introduce testimony. The hearing affecting rates from the Southeast was held in Atlanta August 17th to 20th. The Exchange Chairman of the Board and Traffic Manager attended this meeting. Also present were members of the Florida Railroad Commission and other fruit and vegetable shippers. Voluminous testimony was introduced to show the effect of the proposed rates on the citrus industry of Florida. The Commission in rendering its decision after a careful consideration of all angles of the situation, allowed an emergency increase of I c per hundred pounds on Florida citrus, or an aggregate total increase of $3.24 per car. This is to be compared with the proposed increase of approximately $50 per car. This successful fight against the 15% increase made by the Florida interests is conservatively estimated to have saved the state a total of around $4,500,000 annually. Proposed Charge for Use of Refrigerator Cars The railroads further proposed to assess a charge ranging from $5.00 to $12.50 per car on all precooled shipments moving without ice in the bunkers. This proposition was defeated. The total saving to Florida citrus producers thus accomplished is inestimable, inasmuch as this proposed charge may be considered as an opening wedge for the assessment of a car rental charge on all shipments in refrigerator cars. Reduced Rates to Eastern Markets During the hearing of the proposed 15% increase rate case it was shown by the evidence of Florida representatives that during the season of 1930-31 there were shipped either by trucks, or not picked or shipped at all because of high freight rates, a total citrus fruit volume approximating 11,000 cars. At the opening of the season 1931-32 every indication pointed to an even heavier movement of citrus by truck. In addition, many shippers were contemplating the use of steamship lines extensively on shipments to Eastern markets. With the hope of stemming the tide of truck and water competi- tion, the rail carriers asked for a conference during January, 1932 with the leading fruit shippers. They proposed a reduction of all freight rates to Southern destinations of 25%, with an increase in the car load minimum from 360 to 384 boxes, together with a reduction of 18% to Eastern destinations with an increase of the car load min- imum from 360 to 444 boxes. The original proposal called for a rate to Boston of 82% of the rate then in effect to be applied as a maximum to intermediate points on reasonably direct routes to Boston. This would have had the effect of reducing rates to a large number of points in Eastern Pennsylvania, New York State and throughout New England between the Hudson River and Boston. The proposal was opposed by Texas fruit interests, Texas railroads, steamship lines and the Inter-State Commerce Commission on the contention that any reductions made should be confined to seaports, where water competition actually pre- vailed. The petition of the carriers for these reductions, therefore, was denied. The rail carriers later filed a tariff providing for reduced rates effective on regular statutory notice to coast points only. This tariff was allowed to become effective. It was estimated at the time that approximately $500,000 would be saved by this reduction on the citrus crop remaining in the state at that time and which would be distributed in the markets affected by the reduction. When the reductions in rail rates were made, coast wise water carriers reduced their rates correspondingly, thus maintaining the pre- viously existing differential between all rail and rail and water rates. Refrigeration Case The last reduction in refrigeration rates applied only to points in Eastern Trunk Line territory. The Commission, however, indicated in its decision that they would expect carriers to use the basis of re- frigeration rates prescribed in that case in re-adjusting rates to other territories. The carriers, however, refused to make such reductions and it became necessary to file a new complaint attacking the reasonableness of the present rates, rules and regulations in charges for refrigeration and assessorial services to Central Freight Association and Western Trunk Line territories. The complaint has been in the hands of the Commission for some time, but as yet no dates have been set for the hearing which will probably be held during the summer of 1932. Packing in Transit Rates in Atlanta The Holloway Fruit Company of Atlanta filed a complaint with the Inter-State Commerce Commission to force the establishment of packing in transit rates on citrus fruit at Atlanta. Their proposal con- templated the movement of fruit in bulk to Atlanta and, after re- packing, re-shipment of this fruit in standard boxes on the through rate applicable from the original shipping point in Florida to the final destination, plus a small charge for the privilege of re-packing. The carriers opposed the proposition and called upon the Exchange to appear at the hearing and assist them in defeating the issue. Since it was considered dangerous to inaugurate the practice of shipping fruit in bulk and re-packing at Atlanta, and possibly other points throughout the Southeast, the organization, through its Traffic Manager, introduced considerable testimony against the proposition. The Commission has not yet rendered its decision on this case, but it is believed that the application of the Holloway Fruit Company will be denied. Containers During the past season there have been more new style containers proposed for the shipment of citrus fruit than during the entire preceding history of the Florida Citrus Exchange. Many of the new containers were proposed by crate manufacturers who were anxious to break into the container business for fruits and vegetables from Florida. Others resulted from the demands of the dealers for certain types and kinds of crates which were believed might stimulate retail sales. A meeting was held in Sanford on October 30, 1931 by the growers and shippers of fruits and vegetables, railroad representatives and representatives of the American Railway Association Freight Container Bureau. A committee was appointed from this group and the entire container tariff was examined with the view of eliminating obsolete containers and making such other change and additions to the tariff as appeared desirable. The carriers also proposed to assess a penalty of 20% of the freight charges on all shipments not packed in standard containers and loaded in accordance with standard loading rules. The Florida Citrus Exchange expressed no opposition to the proposed 20% penalty on non-standard containers, but vigorously opposed the 20% penalty for failure to load in accordance with the instructions written in the tariff. It is understood at subsequent meetings that the proposal to assess the 20% penalty on loading has been abandoned, although it is to be maintained and applied on non-standard containers. Among the new containers adopted is the new size cylindrical steelbound crate, the bushel box and half bushel box for tangerine shipments. There is also the James crate which has been used to some extent during the past season for the shipment of bulk grade fruit. This is a very cheap container and is packed by opening and pouring the fruit into the end of the crate without wrapping, and loading the crates in the car on end. Experimental shipments so far have been very satisfactory insofar as breakage in transit is concerned. The ap- plication has been made to the carriers to include this type of containers in the new tariff and also make a tariff provision in the freight tariffs covering it. Evidently, however, the carriers' experiments have not reached the point where they are satisfied as to the suitability of the package, as it has not yet been adopted as a standard container. Car Loading A few years ago auction companies entered into an agreement with the Florida Citrus Exchange on broken boxes. They agreed to remit in full and file claims themselves against the carriers for reimburse- ment. Consequently, during the past two or three years the Exchange traffic department has had no actual contact with the number of broken boxes arriving in the markets and the idea. became prevalent that car loading was being properly performed. During the latter part of last season, however, the Fruit Auction Sales Company of Chicago brought to the attention of the Exchange the large number of broken boxes arriving at that market and fur- nished the detailed report of an inspector of the Standard Inspection Service who had made a careful investigation and reported a con- siderable room for improvement in car loading in Florida. This report showed that the breakage was considerably heavier than it should be and that some of the oldest and largest packing houses in the state were showing the heaviest percentage of broken boxes. The Exchange, through its Traffic Manager, suggested that at the opening of the ensuing season an inspector of the Standard Inspec- tion Service come to Florida and work with Exchange packing house managers, giving them the benefit of his views as to the best methods of loading to insure safe carriage to market. The inspector reached Florida during November of 1931 and spent about six weeks visiting all packing houses in the state. An immediate improvement was shown in the condition of cars arriving at Chicago and elsewhere. This question of properly loaded cars is of vital importance to growers. Regardless of whether a damaged car arrives at auction or in a private sales market, it is subject to discount, no matter how well or how carefully the boxes have been re-coopered before being placed on sale. Claims During the past season the Florida Citrus Exchange filed 670 claims amounting to $21,680.88. The total collections from May 1, 1931 to May 1, 1932 totalled $24,439.56. Since the organization of the Florida Citrus Exchange a total of 62,809 claims amounting to $1,585,599.60 have been filed. 60,230 claims totalling $1,186,894.65 have been collected. Because of the light tonnage now being handled by the railroads there were no terminal congestion or interference with train opera- 22 tions. Consequently, claims are not as heavy at this particular time as when the railroads are handling a normal business. An adequate supply of refrigerator equipment has been available throughout the season. Schedules generally have been maintained. Clyde Line Strike On April 15th the longshoremen on the Clyde Line piers in New York City went on strike and were followed by a sympathetic strike of truck drivers. The Clyde Line employed additional labor and were able to discharge the cargo onto the pier, but due to the drivers' strike, it was impossible for receivers to remove the fruit from the pier. The Exchange finally arranged to re-load on barges and float to storage about one-half of the fruit it had involved. The balance was re-shipped via steamer to Boston. An investigation is now being conducted by the Traffic Depart- ment to determine whether the Clyde Steamship Company can be held liable for the damages sustained. Sufficient facts have not yet been uncovered to permit a decision on this point. American Fruit & Vegetable Shippers Convention The Exchange Traffic Manager attended the annual business meeting of the American Fruit and Vegetable Shippers Association held in Chicago during January, 1932. He was re-elected for the third year as General Chairman of Transportation committees. The meeting was well attended by committee chairmen and members. Con- siderable constructive work was accomplished. The Traffic Manager also represented the Exchange in all meet- ings of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee of the Growers and Shippers League of Florida and has also worked very closely with the Executive Vice President of the League in all matters affecting the industry. ORGANIZATION AND INSPECTION During the present season the Florida Citrus Exchange handled the fruit of 12 operating Sub-Exchanges. In these Sub-Exchanges were 100 Associations and 9 special shippers, operating 100 packing houses. The following map illustrates the distribution of Exchange pack- ing facilities throughout the state's citrus belt. It is interesting to observe that these 100 houses have a capacity of 21,000,000 boxes per season-adequate to handle 75% of the entire state's crop with- out impairing the efficiency of the organization. 23 i During the past 12 months the cooperation of special shippers and new Associations has been obtained as follows: E. P. Porcher, Cocoa; Theodore Strawn, Inc., DeLeon Springs; Palm Beach-Loxahatchee Company, West Palm Beach; Oslo Packing Company, Oslo; Indian River Growers, Inc., Vero Beach; Holly Hill Citrus Growers Asso- ciation, Davenport; Broward Citrus Growers Association, Ft. Lauder- 24 dale; Lake Jovita Citrus Growers Association, San Antonio; and Producers Citrus Corporation, Babson Park-all representing a total estimated tonnage of approximately 500,000 boxes. Withdrawals from the organization during the period allotted by contract for that purpose have not been appreciably heavy. One Asso- ciation notified the organization of its intention to withdraw, as well as several growers. The reasons for these actions have been determined as closely as possible and may be summarized as dissatisfaction be- cause of the refusal of the Florida Citrus Exchange to re-join the Clearing House and because of the activity of cash buyers, particularly during the latter part of the season. It is believed that these withdrawals have been more than off-set by new tonnage which has been signed up. In obtaining tonnage, how- ever, finances are playing an important part. Inspection work of the Florida Citrus Exchange was handled by the Manager of the Field Department together with the Sub-Exchange managers. Considerable work has been done by the organization through this personnel, on improving methods of coloring fruit and in the elimina- tion of decay. Ways and means to handle coloring to prevent shrink- age during the process have been investigated. Cooperation of the Association managers was received fully and definite results which should prove to be of value during the coming season were obtained. EXPENSE OF OPERATION The Florida Citrus Exchange this season will show a small operating deficit at the close of the fiscal year. This is caused primarily by the fact that a number of items have been charged against the operating expense of the organization which were not included or provided for in the original budget for the season. Chief among these are the sal- aries and expenses of the President and Comptroller, the support of the Growers and Shippers League, the donations to the Experiment Station at Gainesville, the Federal Laboratory at Winter Haven, and the Florida Growers Reimbursement Committee. An additional factor of this deficit not provided for in the original budget is the $20,000 spent on grapefruit advertising in conjunction with the Clearing House during the latter part of the season. All of these expense factors were acted upon by the Board of Directors. A contributing cause of this deficit is the unprecedented loss of volume through drops, small sizes, the drought and cash sales on the tree. Much of this latter, however, was covered by the contingency item in the original budget. The detailed data as of May 10th, 1932, is arranged in the table below. It should be understood ip. examining these figures that the fiscal year of the org.aqrizatiohn lse% A.igusf 31st: 25 .. *. . S ** S e 5 NUMBER OF BOXES SHIPPED AND AVERAGE PER BOX COST Number of Boxes Shipped to May 10th..6,636,477 DIRECT SELLING EXPENSE Expense of Northern Offices......... General Sales Department Expense..... Per Box Average ........ $ .0381 ........ ..0136 .0517 Less Brokerage Revenues Earned....... Total Direct Selling Expense ................. INDIRECT SELLING EXPENSE Advertising Department .................... Auditing Department ...................... Cashier's Department .............. .... .... Exchange Packing Company ........ ........ Filing Department ........................ Mailing Department .... Organization Department . Statistical Department .. Traffic Department ... Inspection Department .. General Manager's Office Secretary's Office ..... Comptroller's Office . Sub-Exchange Managers Legal Expense ........ President's Expense .... Board of Directors ..... .0088 .0429 .0323 .0019 .0017 .0008 .0005 ............. .. .00 14 Florida Growers Reimbursement Committee...... Experiment Station, Gainesville ............... Adjustment of Sales ....................... Insurance, Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and M miscellaneous ....................... .0042 .0008 .0029 .0059 .0035 .0008 .0002 .0005 .0017 .0010 .0012 .0002 .0004 .0002 .0027 Total Indirect Selling Expense ................ .0652 TOTAL PER BOX AVERAGE COST AS OF MAY 1 th...*, .'...* ....... $ .1081 .2 6." .' S.. -. :..... ' "* " t.. . ... *.. . .** *,** . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. . .. . . . . . . . APPENDIX "A" GROWERS LOAN & GUARANTY COMPANY The financial subsidiary of the Florida Citrus Exchange, the Growers Loan & Guaranty Company, was organized in 1919 to make crop loans to grower-members and to make loans to Associations on packing houses. In spite of the conditions throughout the country during the past season, which made it considerably more difficult to secure credit accommodations from banks than ever before in the history of the company, the Growers Loan & Guaranty Company, through its record of past performance, enjoyed the confidence of its banking connections and received commitments for its customary lines of credit. These were sufficient to take care of the conservative production loan requirements of the grower-members of the Florida Citrus Exchange. However, all commitments were offered to the Growers Loan & Guaranty Company on condition that all loans be made on the basis of conservative short- term production loans. During the season 1931-32 the Growers Loan & Guaranty Com- pany has handled loans to growers amounting to $2,673,070.91 and has handled loans to Associations in the amount of $559,742.70. In addition, it has financed the canned grapefruit operations of the Florida Citrus Exchange to the extent of $111,515.29. The Federal Farm Board made loans on first mortgages on As- sociation packing house properties during the season in the total amount of $198,966.00. From the commitment of $2,800,000.00 given the Florida Citrus Exchange by the Federal Farm Board, a total of $2,739,112.00 has been loaned, against which has been repaid by Associations the sum of $397,605.50. During the period from 1919 through 1931 the organization has made loans to growers totalling $13,718,608.15 and to Associations amounting to $6,997,746-a grand total of $20,716,354.84. The performance of the company through this entire period has been re- markable in the low percentage of losses. APPENDIX "B" EXCHANGE SUPPLY COMPANY The purpose of the Exchange Supply Company is the purchase of supplies for Associations shipping through the Florida Citrus Exchange. The price of each article used in packing fruit depends upon the volume in which it is purchased. As the consolidated Exchange volume is greater than that of any other shipper in the state, Associations are entitled to the lowest prevailing prices when they combine their re- quirements. The greater the volume handled by the Exchange Supply Com- pany, therefore, the more advantageously it can buy. The company thus deserves the whole-hearted support of every Association so that its volume can be increased and in turn the cost of supplies to each packing house lowered. At the present time the Exchange Supply Company is selling about 80% of the Exchange Associations all of their requirements of those supplies which are handled by the Exchange Supply Company. It is estimated that on these purchases Associations are saved about 2Y2c a box. If all Associations purchased all of their supplies through the company, a further reduction of from 1 V2 to 2c per box could be accomplished. With economy the watchword throughout the entire organization, the Exchange Supply Company forms a piece of equipment which should be used more completely so that these additional savings may be passed on to the growers. The current operations of the Exchange Supply Company indicate a total volume of business somewhat smaller than that of last year. On the other hand, the percentage of business with Associations pro- rated to the boxes of fruit packed increased this year over last year. This situation is reflected in the comparative statement as submitted by the J. E. Bigham and Company to the Directors of the organization. The statement follows: Fiscal Year Ended April 30 Description 1932 Sales to Customers .............. $423,403.66 Gross Retain .................. 60,687.56 Discounts Allowed ............. 40,480.10 Net Retain .................. 20,207.46 Brokerage Expense .............. 18,581.42 Net Brokerage Income .......... 1,626.04 Discounts Earned-Cash ......... 5,207.14 Other Income-Net ........... .. 1,094.32 Total Net Income-Brokerage .... $ 7,927.50 1931 $649,049.50 85,488.82 48,454.14 37,034.68 16,331.49 20,703.19 8,379.98 2,184.54 $ 31,267.71 Comparison of the foregoing figures, expressed in percentages, shows the following: Fiscal Year Ended April 30 Description 1932 Sales to Customers .................. 100.00% Gross Retain ...................... 14.33% Discounts Allowed .................. 9.56% Net Retain ....................... 4.77% Brokerage Expense .................. 4.39% Net Brokerage Income ............... .38% Discounts Earned-Cash ............. 1.23% Other Income- Net ................. .26% Total Net Income-Brokerage ......... 1.87% 1931 100.00% 13.17% 7.46% 5.71% 2.52% 3.19% 1.29% .34% 4.82% |