Budget Has Small Impact On Trade In Groceries

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29269, 29 July 1960, Page 16

Budget Has Small Impact On Trade In Groceries

IBp our Grocery Correspondent)

The Budget can often have a marked effect on the grocery trade, as, for instance, in 1958, when higher commodity taxes raised prices and at the same time higher income taxes reduced purchasing power. This year’s Budget, however, had little effect on trade. The main line affecting grocers was tobacco and cigarettes. The Id drop in the price of 20 cigarettes and 3Jd per 2oz of tobacco came into force yesterday. Such small changes, however, had little effect on trade yesterday and are not expected in the trade to lead to any noticeable rise in the smoking habit. Perhaps the best thing about the Budget, from the retailer’s point of view, is that it is now a thing of the past* pre-Budget uncertainties and speculations have been dispelled, and traders and the public know where they stand for the rest of the year. Dates,—A short time ago much was said about the date position in Iraq and rumours were afoot that Iraq, where the majority of New Zealand dates come from, would be unable to supply their usual quota because of demand from communist countries. However, agents are now quoting new season’s crop prices for Iraq dates and they indicate to buyers that there will be sufficient stocks set aside for the New Zealand market. Crop reports are favourable both in quality and in quantity. Prices are Us cwt in advance of last year’s, and shipment will be made via London—direct to a New Zealand port. _ Ground Pepper^—Advlee from a Dunedin pepper packer is that black and white pepper has decreased in price. Several months ago white pepper prices rose sharply. The new price will be Is lOd—a decrease of 3d for the 3oz tin of white pepper. New Season’s Figs.—Crop reports

have come to’ hand from Turkey. The quality of figs is excellent, and the pack will be larger than last year s. Prices are the same Sa last year s, and the usual grade and packs are available. Australian Peanuts.—The Australian Peanut Marketing Board is offering red Spanish-type peanuts for prompt delivery. The price quoted is slightly higher than South African nuts, which some importers have on the water at the present time. Australian Seeded Baisina—The Australian Dried Fruit Control Board allocated 810 tons of seeded raisins for this market. Last year's total allocation lor the New Zealand market was 500 tons, and so far this year the total is 630 tons. The report continues to say that Australian wineries intend to purchase raisin variety grapes in 1961 as some of their other supplies are out of production, and the inference is that by taking up the 810 tons New Zealand could be put in a better position next year. Fly Bombs—-For the last year or so the manufacturers of aerosol bombs have started in July-August, * concentrated sales effort of promoting their brands to retailers, by various Incentives, such as discounts and bonus offers, to cover grocers for the coming season. The field has become highly competitive with many new brands appearing yearly, and now the grocer is faced with the decision of trying to reduce his range and thereby his stock. Recently one of the many manufacturers advised, the trade that they would be introducing a Boz can to retail at 9s 3d—the fourth size offered by this maker. Mr R. R. Clark, a director of McPherson’s Ltd., Machine Tool Manufacturers In Australia, will visit Christchurch on August 18 to negotiate representation here for “Macsosi” centre Lathes. Any engineering supply merchant interested may inquire at the Australian Government Trade Commissioner, Christchurch. —Advt.