SOFT DRINK PRICES

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28414, 22 October 1957, Page 14

SOFT DRINK PRICES

Manufacturers’ Advice

Retailers profiteering from the sale of soft drinks and those who are not giving the full refunds of deposits on bottles have for some time caused concern to the Canterbury Aerated Water Manufacturers’ Association. Unable to achieve their purpose by discussion with the retailers, the manufacturers have now advertised the prices of soft drinks and the refunds on bottles. As in other parts of New Zealand. many’ retail shops in Canterbury have been charging more than the price fixed by the manufacturers for the drinks. Many have also fixed their own refund prices. Children have frequently been given Id or 2d instead of 3d refund, and sometimes told that they must take the refund in sweets.

In Canterbury, the association has advised, the retail prices are: quart bottle (260 z Is Bd. refund 4d; medium size (10oz) lOd. refund 3d; nip (7oz) 9d, refund 3d

The association has increased the deposit on soda siphons from 5s to 10s.

‘‘Talk about taking pennies away from children . . .” said one manufacturer yesterday. He said the association had had talks with retailers, and with grocers, but had decided that it should advise the public of the position. It had thought that consumers might solve the position when they realised the true prices, but that did not appear to have happened. Retailers. the manufacturers considered, were getting as good a return on their soft drinks as on any other item. The drinks did not deteriorate, and they provided a good colourful display in a retailer’s shop.