GROCERY TRADE AFFECTED BY ANNUAL STOCKTAKING

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28529, 7 March 1958, Page 23

GROCERY TRADE AFFECTED BY ANNUAL STOCKTAKING

[By Our Grocery Correspondent}

At the end of March, most business concerns wHI be undergoing annual stock-taking and balances, and grocery firms are no exception to this rule. In most cases both wholesalers and* retailers endeavour if possible to run on a very minimum of stock, so as to have as little as possible on the shelves at the end of the month. This process has a temporary retarding effect upon business in general. Jam-making has not reached its peak, and it is likely that the lack of fruit available at attractive prices will prevent a heavy season. Grocers report that good stocks of all jam-making sundries are available. There should be sufficient jars, sugar, inserts, rings and to meet the demand 'Green Peas.— lnformation is now available concerning the amount of peas which have been actually canned. So .far it appears that some reductions in orders placed by merchants is inevitable. One canner has advised that he will be unable to execute any orders for 30oz cans. Canned Meats.— An increase in price of canned meats has been advised by New Zealand canners. Although this price was not unexpected, after the increase in the price of tongues, the extent of the increase was rather surprising Corned beef, which is the main item of interest, has shown a steep increase of 5Jd for 12oz tins. Is for 16oz tins, and Is for l£lb tins. The new prices are 3s 6Jd', 4s lOd. and 6s 5d respectively. The packers point out that the rise in price was brought about by the high prices being realised overseas for the type of meat used. Dates. —Stocks of dates are dwindling, due mainly to the late arrivel of new season’s Iraq dates. Advice is now to hand that the Canara will tranship New Zealand stocks in Melbourne. They will reach the Dominion in two or three weeks. ■Tea Prices. — Some tea packers are still adjusting their prices. A Dunedin packer who did not reduce his price before Christmas, is now advising the trade that in future, his tea will retail at 6s

lOd, which is a reduction of 4d peri lb. This brand is now in line with other competitors. Lunch Rolls.— A new greaseproof wrap is being introduced on the' Christchurch market. It is a continuous one Ilin in width. The price is Is 6d retail, which is com-! petitive. Canadian Salmon.— lt is cur-! rently rumoured in Wellington that the Customs Department may now consider from importers to import salmon from Canada. Salmon from dollar sources in the original 1958 import schedule was a “D” item, in other words no licences would be granted for these items except under the most exceptional circumstances.