GROCERS RESTOCKING AFTER HOLIDAYS

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28795, 16 January 1959, Page 13

GROCERS RESTOCKING AFTER HOLIDAYS

I Bi? Out Grocery Correspondent]

Grocers are restocking their shelves after the Christmas and New Year holidays as wholesale organisations begin full operations again. However, there are likely to be many gaps on the shelves, particularly in imported canned fruit and canned fish. At present these lines are difficult to replace.

Biscuit Prices Rise.—Some varieties of biscuits will retail at higher prices, according to manufacturers’ advice. The increased prices came in on January 1. The rise has been brought about by increased costs of raw material from overseas. The varieties affected are coconut, fruit, cheese, wafer and fancy assorted biscuits. These varieties cost from a Id to. 3d per lb more. Bulk Dates.—A shipment of bulk dates is expected to arrive at Lyttelton in the Rangitane.’ Bulk dates have been in short supply in shops over the last few weeks and packet dates have,been In demand.

Packet Figs.—New season’s figs have arrived in Christchurch and merchants are now distributing stocks. There has been less demand for figs during *he last few years, but import control has narrowed the available range and it is expected that the new ship nent will be taken up promptly. Corned Beef.—A popular brand of corned beef, packed in Auckland, has increased in price. The 12oz can now costs 4d more and the can is 8d dearer. This takes the retail price of the smaller can to 4s and the larger size to 7s 4d. Instant Chocolate.—An instant chocolate drink la to be put on the market shortly. It- ii being made in

Christchurch by the manufacturers of a well-known tonic beverage. Completely soluble, the new drink can be made hot or cold. The chocolate dissolves immediately it is mixed. It will come in packs and it Will be launched by a widescale advertising campaign. Retailing at 3s a pack—slightly dearer than similar drink mixtures—it should find a ready demand. Californian Prunes.—A shipment of Californian prunes has arrived, but pices are higher than for earlier shipments. During the last few weeks the Calofornian prune market has been firming and in most cases buyers have had to place orders at the higher prices. Crop failures have been the .cause of rising prices, and jt may be some time before any reductions can be expected.