VARIABILITY AND CORRELATION OF THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL PRICES OF APPLES ON THE WARSAW MARKET IN THE YEARS 2003-2013

Variability of apple prices on Warsaw market at three levels of the market chain - the producer price of industrial apples and the producer and retail prices of the dessert apples were investigated. In order to assess their mutual connections a comparative vertical and horizontal analysis of changes on the above mentioned markets was performed. The direction and dynamics of price changes were analysed as well as a year to year level of price variability and seasonal variations. What is more, their relations and the power of connection between them as well as the price effect on the shaping of export level were determined. The performed investigations will allow an assessment of the present situation of producers and point out the trends of action in order to keep the position of Poland as an important apple producer.