GROCERY NOTES

Press, Volume XCI, Issue 27675, 3 June 1955, Page 17

GROCERY NOTES

This month there has been a major change in the packet tea market. A reduction of Is per lb has come as a surprise to everyone in the trade. A reduction was inevitable, but it was not forecast to this degree. Stock in some cases of the high-priced teas are large and some packers are faced with big losses, particularly so when wholesalers’ and retailers’ stocks are being rebated by Is per lb. Market reports from Ceylon show that the market is firming, when compared with quotations of a few weeks ago. Some increases are up to Is per lb. The strike in England will soon become a problem for the New Zealand importer. This will be particularly so if factories are affected. For the next two months orders are normally placed for the Christmas trade. Where some lines have slow deliveries, such as some types of jam, biscuits, confections, and mincemeats, a loss of time at this stage could be serious.

Essence Price Increases.—A Christchurch manufacturer of essences has .found it necessary, because of the rise in the cost of production, to increase prices. In future the loz size which sold at Is will retail at Is 3d each.

Sardines.—Norwegian packers are now quoting prices for their new season’s pack of sild. Fishing is just commencing and at this stage it would appear that supplies will be reasonable. Prices are slightly lower than last season’s, but this will be offset by the recent increase in sea freight. Ceylon Coconut.— The desiccated coconut market has been low for some time, but now the latest quotations show a slight increase. Prices are expected to be firm, as at this time of the year the coconut crop is at its ebb. Canadian Salmon.— This is still a good seller on this market and up till the present importers have sold all stocks that have landed. A shipment is just arriving in Christchurch and this will relieve the shortage which has been experienced for the last week or so. Packers’ stocks are short and will remain so until the arrival of the new season’s pack.

STOCK SALES ST. ANDREWS “The Press” Special Service TIMARU, Jung 2. More than 100 head of mixed quality fat cattle were offered today at Pleasant Point and met a quiet to steady inquiry, with values holding firm for good quality beasts. Indifferent sorts were more difficult to dispose of. Few store cattle were offered and sold. Fat lambs and fat sheep made up the bulk of the capacity entry of sheep, and it comprised the largest offering of fat lambs and sheep at St. Andrews saleyards for many seasons. The yarding was of very mixed quality, and several pens were poorly drafted. As a consequence values were inclined to bp erratic, with good quality sheep holding most attention. Values were:— Fat Cattle.—Fat steers, good £34 2s 6d to £3B 12s 6d, light to medium £27 2s 6d to £3l 7s 6d. Fat heifers, good £3O to £34 12s 6d, light to medium £24 2s 6d to £27 7s 6d. Fat cows, good £22 7s 6d to £27 12s 6d, light t<» medium £l2 to £lB 2s 6d. Fat Sheep and Lambs.—Fat ewes, good 40s to 44s lOd, light to medium 25s 4d to 32s lOd. Fat lambs, good 71s Id to 75s 7d, light to medium 52s lOd to 64s lOd.

LICENCES TO IMPORT PLYWOOD

Applications to Import plywood from all sources are invited by the Customs Department. They must be supported by evidence of availability, and, in the case of applicants who already hold 1955 licences, by evidence also of the extent of overseas commitments and deliveries under licences already held. The department states that applications, which will be received up to June 17, should state quantities, sizes, and types required, together with c.i.f. prices per foot for each type.

CEYLON TEA MARKET

(N.Z. Press Association —Copyright) * COLOMBO, June 1. A fairly good demand prevailed at this week’s "’tea sale. Offerings totalled 6,039,7651 b. Quotations: High - grown broken orange pekoe, 240 cents per lb; medium liquoring broken orange pekoe 110; medium liquoring orange pekoe, 195; low medium broken orange pekoe, 95; low medium dust, 175.