The Marketing of Foodstuffs.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18942, 5 March 1927, Page 14

The Marketing of Foodstuffs.

English papers to band by yesterday's mail devote considerable space to the new regulations governing the sale of foodstuffs and their effect on marketing. Retailers arc now forbidden, under heavy penalty, to sell food containing chemical preservatives, and consequently are faced with the necessity of equipping themselves with refrigerating appliances, which have been in extensive use in America for a generation past. This new law is of vital interest to New Zealand producers, who will now have to be prepared to adapt themselves to the new conditions under which their produce will be sold. In the case of butter the time has been extended to the beginning of next year, after which all boric or other preservatives will have to be eliminated. These regulations have been the subject of widespread criticism among both producers and retailers, but it is generally admitted that when the initial difficulties huvc been overcome, the appearance of the shops concerned will be vastly improved, with a consequent benefit to trade. In the past food shops in Britain have maintained their trade independently of display, making little attempt to appeal to the eye of the buyer, but as a result of efforts by the Ministry of Health a great change is now taking place. Most butchers, for instance, have yielded to pressure and nOw keep their meat behind glass fronts, out of reach of the dust of the street. The new regulations will hasten this change by making it necessary for all perishable foods to be kept in artificially cooled show cases, with a consequent improvement in the appearance of the shop and the quality of the goods. There is no reason why New Zealand produce, such as meat, butter, cheese, and fruit, should not gain in popularity through this innovation, but the producers and exporters will have !to remember that a great deal rests with them. Appearance and convenience for display will now become probably the most important factors in marketing, and it will be admitted that in this respect New Zealand's produce can be considerably improved.