FRUIT PRESERVING NOW IN FULL SWING

Press, Volume C, Issue 29435, 10 February 1961, Page 17

FRUIT PRESERVING NOW IN FULL SWING

itiv out Grocery Correstxmesnti

Fruit preserving time is here again and housewives are taking advantage of plentiful supplies and lower prices to bottle stone fruit and pears. Homebottled fruit makes a big saving in the family budget. In some years there have been shortages of jars or sugar, but this year there are plenty of both.

Preserving has stayed much the same over the years, but the job is much easier today with the new home preserving kits that are on the market. Fly Bombs.—This time of the year is recognised by aerosol manufacturers as the best selling period for their products, and heavy advertising campaigns are in progress. Christchurch has not had the continuously hot weather which really accelerates sales, but nevertheless flies are a big problem, and aerosols appear to be the answer. During the last few years retailers have been plagued by a large and varied number of brands and of these bombs, but now the market appears to have settled on three main sellers—the 12oz. the 6oz and 16oz. It is interesting to note that two manufacturers have been increasing their advertising on air fresheners, which outsell fly aerosols in the United States and Britain.

Packet Jellies.—Several seasons ago Greggs introduced a blackberry flavoured jelly which met with a good demand—«o much so that other packers have followed suit. Edmonds have now produced one and also a naw grape flavour. At the present time jelly flavours are improving and so are sales. Tapioca Prices Up-— This Is a market that usually remains on an even keel, but recent quotations for the Penang market (where New Zealand supplies come from) show a general firming. At this time of the year purchases are made for the coming seasons. The increase over the last three weeks is £3 per ton. Coconut Prices Dowil—After a

rather erratic period of prices rising and falling, coconut has arrived in Christchurch at a new lower price, which is approximately Id a lb cheaper, making the retail price 2s 2d. Ths market in Ceylon firmed a short time ago. and now appears more stable. Canned Vegetables.—So tar not

very much information has been coming through concerning New Zealand canned vegetables. The position is a rather difficult one. as many throughout the trade have carry-overs of such items as tomatoes, green beans and peas. Australian Canned

According to shipping agents, the Kaiioa will shortly be loading Queensland pineapple for the New Zealand market, but no date of arrival in Lyttelton has yet been made. Pineapple is still affected by import control, and Importers will be taking this opportunity of bringing Queensland pineapple to this market, but a large quantity cannot be expected. Canadian Salmon.— Fog the last week or so there has not been a wide variety of salmon to choose from, particularly Canadian salmon. Jutt recently, stocks of Japanese salmon ar- i rived here, in pink and sockeye grades, and both are reasonably available in shops at the present time. Small shipments are starting to arrive of Canadian salmon, but It is too early to know if there will be ample stocks available, as the canning season was poor In Canada.