More wholesalers expressed a preference for the crate over the

carton, and only one was indifferent, stating that he supplied his

retailer customers what they requested. Wholesaler preferences

differed considerably among market areas however. Four of five

Philadelphia wholesalers preferred the crate, but all three Boston

wholesalers who responded preferred the carton (Table 9). Wholesale

firms in the Detroit area were about equally divided in preference

between crates and cartons.

 Those who preferred cartons did so mainly because they believe

there is less damage to the celery from bruising, or the ends rubbing,

compared with the wirebound crate. Retailers also said the carton

was easier to handle, that sleeved celery arrives in better condition,

and that disposal is easier and less costly than with crates. Con-

tainer disposal is a growing problem for retailers, especially those

in the Boston area. One major Boston firm cited disposal costs of up

to one dollar each for wirebound crates. Cartons are considerably

easier and cheaper to dispose of, since they can be flattened and

baled more readily.

 Those preferring the wirebound crate did so because they felt

celery could be cooled better and kept fresh longer. Many respondents

from both wholesale and retail firms feel that the product heats up

more in the waxed carton. This comment was most frequent from whole-

salers, several of whom also stated that crates from California

shippers were sturdier and more desirable than those from Florida.

However, one wholesaler felt that crates from Florida were more uni-

form than those from California.