Marketing of products and by-products of multi-purpose tree species in La Union

The marketing systems of products and by-products of selected multipurpose tree species (MPTS) in La Union was studies. Result of the study showed that there is a potential market for mango fruit because the production is not enough to cater the demand in the international and local markets. This is also true to woodtiles, charcoal, fuelwood and driftwood by-products of madre de cacao and fuelwood and lumber products of Acacia auriculiformis and Cassia spectabilis in the local market. The findings suggest that there is a need to increase production to satisfy the demand. This maybe done through research and development of production area expansion. Temporary market shortages could have been due to the inefficiency in the distribution system of the products. This distribution system was the major factor that influenced the existence of intermediaries which formed the marketing of mango fruit while short channel in products and by-products of madre de cacao, Acacia auriculiformis and Cassia spectabilis. Such difference could be due to the differences in the market orientedness of the products and income levels generated from the marketing activities. Disparity in income levels could be due to the differences in the assumed risk, degree of control on the means of production especially capital and accessibility or control of the market. Exploitation on the different uses of these products may improve the income distribution among the market intermediaries and physical distribution of the product in different localities. The buying behavior of consumers towards mango fruit was significantly influenced by the consumer's case of madre de cacao products and by-products. Market segmentation is necessary to cater the needs in accordance to buyers' characteristics in the case of mango fruit. A study dealing with the correlation between consumers' buying behavior and products' characteristics is essential. The growers, traders and consumers were confronted with problems. Awareness of these problems could be a basis in the formulation of market policies, researchable areas and production programming.