GROCERY NOTES

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28013, 6 July 1956, Page 17

GROCERY NOTES

EARLY CHRISTMAS ORDERS DUE

As early as July, the prudent trader begins to assess the prospects for the Christmas trade and to make inquiries about stocks of seasonal goods. More particularly, he will order some of the overseas lines to make sure of delivery before Christmas. Some English manufacturers are still unable to give prompt delivery. Biscuits and confectionery are an instance of this: Christmas catalogues have already arrived in New Zealand, offering their customary range of lines. Mostly of a luxury nature, and hence higher-priced than New Zealand-made biscuits and confectionery, these imports are good sellers during the fesseason. New Zealand-made lines, which also have to be ordered well in advance, include almond paste, mixed *ruits, peel, canned fruit, and Christmas novelties.

The supnly of winter goods is being maintained at an even rate. No noticeable shortages have been reported this week and steady sales have been made of canned and packet soups, oat goods, canned vegetables, baked beans and spaghetti, pear] barley, and split peas t , Ess s nce p r»ces Increased.—The North island manufacturer of a popular brand or essences advises that because of rising costs future retail prices will be as lollows: loz bottles. Is 2d; 2oz, 2s 2d; and 4oz. 3s 6d

Raisins.—Since the news of a 50 per cent cut in orders for Australian raisins, importers have been endeavouring to obtain import licences for Californian raisins. These raisins have always been popular on this market and before the dollar restrictions they were the major sellers. At this stage it appears that the granting of licences would he quite likely as imports of prunes from this source are still allowed without restriction. Hops.—A report from Nelson, from where this market is supplied, indicates that hops will be in plentiful supply this X ear : The 11b pack will be retained, and the f.o.b. price is unaltered. Tea Prices.—During May tea prices rose quite steadily until the beginning of June. From the middle of June until now the nnce has weakened over the last two sales, latest prices showing a decrease of approximately Id per pound. Pepper Prices Down.—A little while ago prices for pepper in Singapore fell and this has now been reflected on the New Zealand market with the arrival of stocks at the new prices. Two ounce tins of white pepper are now retailing at Is 4d per tin, the lowest price for some considerable tima. The latest price represents a drop of Id per oz. Pet Foods.—An Auckland canner is about to market in the South Island two net foods, one for does and one for cats The former is packed in 16oz cans and .!ooz cans which retail at Is HAd and 3s 6d . respectively. The cat food is packed in loz cans and retails at Is per can. This market is a limited one and the compet’tion can be expected to be keen as these prices undercut those of existing products.

Ross Rainfall.—A total of 13.87 inches of rain fell at Ross during June. There were 14 days on which rain fell and the greatest fall in 24 hours was on June 12 when 3.21 inches were recorded. The month’s rainfall was a considerable increase on that for May when 6.66 inches were recorded in 11 days.