Tempo Of Trade In Groceries Quickens

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28399, 4 October 1957, Page 17

Tempo Of Trade In Groceries Quickens

The tempo of trade in groceries has stepped up this week. As the October picture appears on the grocer’s calendar he realises that in two months the C’ ’ istmas rush will have started, and that before then he will have coped with two short working weeks. Stocks throughout the trade generally compare well with those held at the same time in previous years. With few exceptions, supplies should be adequate for the seasonal trade between now and the end of the year. Noticeable among grocers’ orders placed with their merchants this week have been demands for canned fruits, mixed dried fruits, nuts, canned fish, mincemeat, fancy biscuits and other delicacies sought at Christmas.

It has been a busy week for merchants as the arrival of overseas ships at Lyttelton has speeded up deliveries to warehouses Shelled peanuts and salt are two lines delivered this week which have been in short supply. Tea. canned fruit, coconut, rice, dried fruits and other commodities have also been landed. Breakfast cereal Biscuit-Manu-facturers of a well-known breakfast food produced in Christchurch, have advised the trade of new prices, effective from the beginning of October, for biscuits and puffed wheat. The 12oz. packets of biscuits will sell at Is 3d, and the 240 z at 2s 2Jd. and the Boz packets of puffed wheat at la 6d.

Liver Salts.—A new price has also been announced for a brand of liver salts, according to advice received from Wellington. In future, ;ib tins will retail at 2s 3d and £lb tins at 3s 9d.

Lung Preserver Price Increases.— Another price increase has come into effect for a lung preserver which originates in Christchurch. The new prices in this case are: small 2s 3d. large 3s 6d. Baby Foods.—A growing demand is becoming noticeable for canned prepared fruit and vegetables for babies One of the main producers of these products is now supplying the market with the largest proportion of this range from Australia, intensifying their sales throughout this country. Sales can be expected to increase, but the grocer stocking this line may have to carry as many as 30 to 40 varieties. Crushed Pineapple.—Advice has been received from Brisbane that further orders for crushed and pulp pineapple in all sizes, will not be accepted. However, this popular type is available from Malaya, and merchants will order accordingly.

Silicone Wax. A Christchurch manufacturer of many proprietarj brands of polish is now marketing a silicone wax in two sizes, and will be backed by an intensive advertising campaign. The small will retail at 2s 6d per tin. and medium at 5s per tin.

Australian Canned Goods.—Appearing on the Christchurch market is a brand of canned foods which is new to most in the trade. Under their trade name such foods as asparagus, mushrooms, mushroom soup, and oyster soup are available. The latter in particular being ei very high quality.