The Role of the Central Wholesale Market

        The Central Wholesale Market was established by local public organization. Standing between the producer and the consumer, it promotes the smooth distribution of perishable foods through wholesalers and brokers.

        The market plays a concrete role in the following ways:  
(1) Concentration-a wide variety of produce is assembled in vast quantities from all over the country and from abroad.  (2) Price formation-fair prices reflecting supply and demand are set quickly on the basis of auction transactions.  (3) Distribution-good are speedily distributed to many retailers.  (4) Settlement of transactions-payment of charges are made quickly and accurately.  (5) Reduced distribution costs-freight charges and other costs incurred in distribution can be reduced by handling goods in large quantities.  (6) Supply of information-accurate information concerning distribution of perishable foods is collected and transmitted.  (7) Hygiene inspection-hygiene checks are carried out from time to time by the Health Inspection Office.

        The City of Sapporo obtained the authorization to open the 17th wholesale market of Japan, based on the Wholesale Market Law, on December 5, 1959. The Fruits and Vegetable Section started operation on December 10 of the same year, and the Marine Products Section on April 4, 1960. The Central Wholesale Market plays an important role as a leading market for distribution of perishable goods in Hokkaido.

Organization of the Market 

Market Organizer = City of Sapporo
The City of Sapporo administers the market in order to improve and maintain facilities, authorize business, and ensure fair trade.

�@ Wholesalers = Agencies which collect and sell goods.
Wholesalers sell consignments from producers to brokers (transaction participants) at auction and obtain a certain commission from the producers.

�A Brokers = Individuals who evaluate and dispense goods.
Brokers buy transported goods at auction. They negotiate with and sell them to individual buyers (retailers) at reasonable prices at their shops in the market.

�B Transaction Participants = Individuals who evaluate and distribute goods.
Transaction participants are those who are authorized by Sapporo to participate in auction along with brokers to buy goods from wholesalers.

	Mobile fruit and vegetable auction

�C Traders = Individuals who offer various services to those who utilize the market.
Traders are those who offer services such as settlement of payment for purchases, transportation of goods, storage of goods in refrigerators, management of dining facilities, and sale of necessities, in order to offer better working conditions for transaction participants.

�D General Buyers = Individuals who distribute goods.
General buyers are those who buy goods from brokers, including fish dealers, grocers, and fruit dealers. 　

Sapporo Central Wholesale Market ― Daily Schedule		2:00 a.m.		6:30 a.m.
		Goods are transported to market from producing districts and shipment places.		Before being auctioned, goods are inspected and evaluated by brokers.
2:00 p.m.		7:30 a.m.		7:00 a.m.
Buyers (retailers) sell goods to customers.		Buyers (retailers) buy goods from brokers.		Brokers bid against each other for those goods they want to buy wholesalers.