Estimation of Fruit and Vegetable Byproducts via Analysis of Distribution Stages

The amount of fruit and vegetable byproducts produced from their production to consumption by consumers was characterized by focusing on the distribution route. The considered fruits and vegetables were divided into five groups: leafy vegetables, root vegetables, fruit vegetables, condiment vegetables, and fruits. The amount of their distribution was calculated at each distribution stage of the overall distribution process. Byproducts of each group produced at individual distribution channel was calculated using the basic unit obtained through field and literature surveys. It was also considered that the byproducts can be recovered. The byproducts produced for distributing leafy vegetables, root vegetables, fruit vegetables, condiment vegetables, and fruits were 509,379; 68,844; 151,189; 479,936; and 282,897 tons per year (t/y), respectively. The total recovery for the five groups was 1,492,245 t/d, corresponding to 13.48% of the total production of the fruits and vegetables (11,067,638 t/d).