Analysis of yearly trend of seasonal changes of apple shipment in Japan

Using the data compiled in the 1976 to 1996 editions of the Annual Report, 'Statistics on Production and Shipment of Fruits and Nuts' the yearly trend of seasonal changes in apple shipments was analyzed by the statistical method we introduced in our previous papers. Results obtained are as follows; 1) Of 7 major fruit species, 4 which have the high seasonal concentration significantly showed the trend of year-round shipment. On the other hand, apple which has the lowest seasonal concentration among the domestic fruit species did not show any significant trend but its shipment trend was inclined to be seasonal. 2) Of 9 apple varieties, 2 varieties namely 'Mutsu' and Tsugaru' significantly showed the trend of year-round shipment. While, 2 other varieties, 'Delicious' and 'Kogyoku' showed the trend of seasonal shipment. Delayed shipment caused 'Mutsu' and 'Tsugaru' to be year-round and early shipment caused 'Delicious' to be seasonal. 3) 2 apple varieties, 'Fuji' and Tsugaru,' were studied according to the producing districts. In Aomori Pref., 'Fuji' showed the extremely low seasonal concentration with the considerably late shipment peak. On the other hand, in Nagano Pref. and Yamagata Pref., 'Fuji' significantly showed the trend of seasonal shipment. In Aomori Pref., 'Tsugaru' showed the trend of delayed shipment, making consumers to enjoy 'Tsugaru' for a long period. However, in Yamagata Pref. and Nagano Pref., 'Tsugaru' showed the trend of early shipment, causing 'Tsugaru' to be on the market for a shorter period. 4) No particular differences in seasonal concentration and shipment peak were observed when studies were made according to the use of apples, namely processing and fresh consumption. Even 'Kogyoku' which is known to be an appropriate variety for processing did not show much difference. In recent years, the seasonal concentration of 'Kogyoku' for both processing and fresh consumption is becoming high