Demand Relations of Fresh Sweetpotato in the St. Louis and Chicago Markets

Abstract

<jats:p>The impacts of unloaded quantity, disposable personal income, retail price index of fresh potatoes (<jats:italic>Solanum tuberosum</jats:italic> L.), and seasonal monthly variables on sweetpotato [<jats:italic>Ipomoea batatas</jats:italic> (L.) Lam.] price in the St. Louis and Chicago terminal markets were estimated using a regression analysis technique. These markets can absorb a modest increase in sweetpotato quantity without a decrease in wholesale price, but a significant increase in quantity would decrease wholesale price. Sweetpotato price is higher during October, November, and December than in September; therefore, producers must give attention to marketing sweetpotatoes during these months. Also, increased shipments of sweetpotatoes to these markets should not be considered in anticipation of an increase in disposable income.</jats:p>

Determinants of Demand for Sweet Potatoes at the Farm, Retail and Wholesale Markets in Kenya

“…However, a similar percentage change in the retail prices would yield a significant downward change of 1.688% in the demand for sweet potato at the retail market and 0.999% at the wholesale level. These results were in agreement with [41] who analyzed demand relations of fresh sweet potatoes in the St. Louis and Chicago markets and showed that a significant increase in wholesale price would decrease quantity demanded and vice versa. The insignificant negative effect of the price change on the demand for sweet potato at the farm level could be ascribed to the farmers' allegation that farm gate prices were largely dictated by the wholesalers who were their major customers.…”