GROCERY NOTES

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28133, 23 November 1956, Page 17

GROCERY NOTES

WAGE RISE LEADS TO HIGHER PRICES (By Our Grocery Correspondent) The wage increase took effect this week and already there are indications that higher costs will be passed on to consumers in the price of many groceries. Some spices packed in Otago and a North Island brand of toothbrush are among the first to be marked up in price. J The increases in sea and rail freights are already having their effect in the trade. Agents have charged the increases to retailers, although the retail prices are not affected. Christchurch is more susceptible to changes in transport costs than most centres, because of the high proportion of goods railed from its port. All North Island foods will pay the increase—though, on those lines freight-paid by the manufacturers the increase may be absorbed by the supplier. " Wholesalers are entering their busiest period of the year. .Overtime is already being worked in some warehouses to ensure the minimum of delay in dispatching grocers’ orders. Although wholesalers’ stocks are moving out rapidly as Christmas stocks are being built up all round the city, they are being replenished almost as rapidly from Lyttelton, where severa overseas ships have recently berthed Dried Fruits.—The extra demand for dried fruit is very marked and at the present time seeded raisins, which were expected to be in short supply, are practically unprocurable. Good stocks are available of sultanas and currants, and there are a number of brands of mixed fruits. Theses too, are selling rapidly and stocks are not expected to last. Coconut Prices.—For some time the desiccated coconut market prices have been firming in Ceylon, and this is now being reflected on the local market as new stocks are just landing at the new price, approximately Id per lb higher. Today’s quotations are higher than ever, but this is not expected to last.

Canned Fruit.—At the moment it would appear that sales are going to be very good, but supplies are not expected to be too plentiful. Pineapple and fruit salad in particular are short, and no further supplies of fruit salad are expected until the New Year. New Zealand canned peaches and apricots are sold out from all canneries, but supplies of Australian and South African are being held by merchants, although not in exceptional quantities. Pears are in good supply, and should be readily available. Shelled Peanuts.—This is a market which has been firm for some time, and recent landings have shown an increase in the vicinity of Jd per lb. Jam Jars.—The jam-making season is about to commence and retailers have been awaiting for stocks of jars. This year the jars are being made at Hornby instead of Auckland. This will help to speed up deliveries and also save breakages. Deliveries for November are now available, and merchants are supplying their forward bookings. The same sizes are again available this season.