GROCERY NOTES

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27011, 10 April 1953, Page 13

GROCERY NOTES

Now that the Easter holidays are over grocers can look forward to normal trading for the next month or two. Business has settled down and trading has become more steady. With the colder weather setting in, winter lines are starting to be in demand and grocers are featuring them in their window and shop displays. One seasonable item that is always in keen competition at this time is cough cure. Manufacturers are putting extra energy into advertising campaigns and at the same time offering the trade a bonus if they reorder their stock over a certain period of time. This, gives both the merchant and retail grocer an opportunity of making extra profit on stock they may buy. Green Peas.—A North Island cannery has just finished packing the last of its pea crop, and the amount canned is more than previously expected. As it is not expected that the local tinned peas will be sufficient for the New Zealand market, merchants are investigating the offers being made by agents for South African canned peas. The South African brands sold quite steadily last year, when local stocks were expended, even though the price was higher; however, some stores still have a carry-over of these peas. Increased Price for Packet Soup.— A widely used brand of soup powder has advanced at 6d a dozen and the suggested retail price is now 9Jd a packet. Fijian Pineapple.—The latest information regarding the last of the summer pack, which will arrive in April and May in two shipments, indicates that because of indifferent weather, the crop, which was expected to be a good one, has now turned out to be poor. Only small stocks will be available. Canned Peaches.—A reasonable supply of peaches can be expected from the North Island this season. Merchants’ orders will not be executed in full, and brisk trade is expected as prices are considerably lower than those for Australian peaches.