The main factors involved in the commercialization of papaya in 27 supermarkets and 27 retail shops of Federal District (Brasília and satellite cities) was studied from January to December of 2001. The data was colleted using questionnaire answered by the manager of the establishment and by 162 consumers. It was observed that the wholesalers of Federal District Wholesale Market (CEASA-DF) was the main supplier of papaya to the retail market; physical damage was the main aspect to be observed by those responsible for the purchase; papaya fruits for selling were displayed in unrefrigerated racks; the retail markets themselves bore the financial losses. The retail market differed in relation of: who purchase the papaya fruits; contracts with the wholesaler; how to expose the fruit; maturation of purchased fruits; and follow-up of losses. It was found that consumers preferred: fruits in the 3rd to 5th stage of maturation; to choose papaya retail market they based on quality and price; not to pay more for wrapping and classification, opting for unwrapped fruit in order to choose the preferred fruit. Consumers reported physical damage to be the primary inhibitor to purchase.
commercialization; papaya; retail market; consumers; quality
