GROCERY NOTES

Press, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 26058, 10 March 1950, Page 9

GROCERY NOTES

Although the Dan-y-Bryn, the direct date steamer, is still in the stream at Auckland awaiting a berth, limited quantities of new season’s dates have been distributed.

Thompson’s seedless raisins, cannedapricots, and pilchards from South Africa should be available for distribution before very long when transshipments ex the Dominion Monarch arrive froin Wellington.

Desiccated Coconut,—The shipment of Samoan coconut that arrived at Auckland in the Matua is no larger than usual, and merchants’ allocations have not been increased. At the same time, there is also a shipment from Ceylon landing at Auckland in the Wairimu, but even this will not make up the deficiency in the supply to cover the increasing demand. Latest quotations for Ceylon coconut for the next direct steamer show an advance of approximately £l2 a ton on the shipment now landing. Prunes.—Prices for new season’s pack of Australian tinned prunes as announced by the association are approximately Id per lb down on prices previously . quoted by outside packers, and are higher by the same amount cm last season’s 'rates. Agents have not been advised of the quantity allocated to New Zealand, but it is indicated this will be considerably less than last year. South African Dried Fruits.—Numerous .offers have been received for South African seedless raisins and dried peaches for March-April shipment. With the uncertainty regarding the quantity of fruit which will be available from Australia, most merchants are taking the opportunity to secure supplies of South African, and considerable business has been placed for both of these. lines for earliest shipment. Offers have also been received for African stalk raisins in 251 b boxes and in pound cartons, and merchants have placed orders for shipment in JulyAugust to arrive in ample time for th® Christmas trade. r Australian Dried Fruits.—New season s prices have been received for Australian dried peaches, and are about 5d per lb below the rate rulinj for apricots. These were not offered at all last year, and the quantity of this season’s fruit that will be available for export has not yet been announced. Following a short' apricot crop, it is not anticipated the supply will exceed the demand. Dried pears are also offered. These, however, have never been a very popular line on this market, and imports are not likely to be heavy. Apricots are ready for shipment and will oe coming by the first available steamer.