It was conducted a survey of the losses of onion, lettuce, cilantro, cabbage, eggplant, cucumber
and okra at fresh market in Areia (PB) in order to provide information that may assist the sector specific actions
to reduce losses of vegetables fresh retail site and increase profitability in business activity. It was used a questionnaire
consisting of 40 questions, which included socio-economic aspects, production, commercialization and marketing
of storage. Respondents were divided into three groups: group I fairground producers of vegetables that sells
directly in free market, group II consists of fairground not producers of vegetables, but that the purchase of
third parties weekly and group III consists of traders owners of retail chains. It was found that the sprouting
of onion bulbs; mass loss, color and texture in lettuce, cilantro and kale; ripening and loss of color and texture
in eggplant, cucumber and okra; friction and mechanical injuries caused by damage insects and pathogens
were responsible for the most significant losses in these vegetables. It is important to adopt good manufacturing
practices, handling, hygiene, packaging and exhibition of vegetables after harvest in order to minimize losses
in the marketing of vegetables in Areia (PB). Losses pre and post-harvest by offering variation in market behavior,
generate serious economic and social consequences.