SPECULATION ABOUT NEW IMPORT SCHEDULE

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28701, 26 September 1958, Page 12

SPECULATION ABOUT NEW IMPORT SCHEDULE

IBy Our Grocery Correspondent]

Importers are eagerly awaiting the new import schedule for 1959, publication of which is expected shortly. There has been much speculation in the grocery trade as to the possible changes in allocations, but very few hints of specific increases and decreases have been given.

The increase in business which was experienced at the beginning of the month has been maintained. The new PA.Y.E. rates, which will come into force at the beginning of next month, may have their effect upon consumption, but these may be partly offset by the increase in the family benefit. Prune Prices Increase.—Prices

quoted for prunes from California show an increase for the new season's crop. The higher prices are not unexpected, as crops have been poor and supplies are short. Growers also have been endeavouring to hold out for higher prices. It is doubtful whether it will affect prices here, as in many cases orders have

been placed previously to the value of licences held. Muscatels.—Arriving in the next few days will be the first shipment from Australia of the new season's muscatels. It will be in good time for Christmas, when the main sales are made. A good range will be available again, and supplies are expected to be reasonable. Eaby Food.—Earlier, a Hastings canner advised that they would have available a range of baby foods for the local market. Two varieties are now available and are being distributed through the trade. They are apple and carrot, which will retail at Is a can. The complete range covers a total of five types, and a sixth will be available next year. Frozen Foods. —An ever-increasing demand for frozen foods keeps manufacturers on their toes, and they are endeavouring to give the public as wide a range as possible. For instance, one of the larger packers has just issued a list of approximately 60 varieties, which cover an extremely wide range, including the deep frozen fruit and vegetables, pastry, fish/ turkeys, meat, and also meat pies and fruit pies. The problem, of course, for the grocer is that he is unable to display such a wide range.

Cake Fruit Mixture.—An Auckland packer is now accepting orders for spread delivery of their cake fruit mixtures—from now until Christmas. They have included this year a 12oz size, as well as the established 16oz packet. This year’s prices are 3s 4d for the 16oz, 2s lOd for the 12oz. Canadian Salmon.—Up until the, present time popular grades and Sizes of salmon have been on the ever-increasing list of short lines. Temporary relief has been brought about by a recent arrival at Lyttelton of a shipment. Merchants are now distributing stocks, which, in most cases, have been taken up quickly.