IMPORT CUTS GIVE IMPETUS TO LOCAL MANUFACTURERS

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28671, 22 August 1958, Page 17

IMPORT CUTS GIVE IMPETUS TO LOCAL MANUFACTURERS

(By Our Grocery Correspondent]

In many cases, manufacturers are taking every opportunity from the import cuts to make their position more secure on the local market. Imagination is being used in producing the types of commodities which have proved popular when imported from overseas. The quality in the goods, and style and packaging in 90 per cent, of the cases are of a high standard. In other periods of severe import control some manufacturers produced poor quality lines and did themselves untold damage and it is hoped that this will not be repeated. leaving a trail of unsaleable goods which marked the past eras. Mushroom Ketchup.—A North Island manufacturer is taking. the opportunity of marketing a mushroom ketchup in the absence of overseas equivalents. The product is well packed and of good quality and should meet with j-eady demand for those who like this type of sauce. The retail price will be about 2s 8d a bottle. Baby Foods.—Baby foods have been increasing in demand over the last year or so, and today are a substantial seller. As a matter of interest, the sale of these foods in America takes a large proportion of supermarket sales turnover. However, as these foods have been prepared overseas and imports have been seriously restricted, a Hastings canner is stepping into the breach

and will shortly have available, five of the most popular varieties which will retail at Is a tin. Chicken Soup.—Another North Island canner has produced a new line of-chicken soup to compete with one that was recently marketed by a Wellington canner. It is a 16oz can and will retail at 2s Id a tin. Pickle Prices Increase.—A local pickle manufacturer has advised the trade that he has found it necessary to increase the price of pickles owing to increased manufacturing costs. In the case of the 13oz and 16oz jars, the increase is Id a jar—making the new prices 2s 3d and 3s respectively. Jelly Prices.—A Christchurch [ packer of a well advertised brand of jellies has advised that a new price will operate immediately. • a reduction of Id a packet, making the new price lid. The season has not started yet. but retailers will soon be building up stocks, and they are being encouraged by manufacturers. who are offering incentive buying bonuses. ; Tapioca.—Although the tapioca market is generally steady, it has shown fluctuations over the last few weeks. The latest quotations show an increase of approximately £2 10s a. ton. but it will not have any effect on this market at the present time. Almonds.—Recent quotations from overseas show that the almond market has been firming. As import licences are based on only a proportion of imports for 1956, it would appear that - these will be in short supply towards the end of the year and higher local prices can be expected.