Canned Food Prices Rising

Press, Volume C, Issue 29488, 14 April 1961, Page 19

Canned Food Prices Rising

(By Our Grocery Correspondent]

Since the end of 1960 prices of many commodities, from pan scourers to patent medicines, have been raised. In the last few weeks, several canners have increased prices of many of their lines. Costs of raw materials and packaging are still rising, and further price increases appear likely. The demand for canned vegetables is improving with the colder weather, which has curtailed the supply of fresh vegetables from home gardens. Many retailers are now featuring canned goods in their displays. Canned Peaches.—News from J. Wattie Canneries of the peach I pack is disappointing—the I amount is far below the estimate of a few weeks ago. when the view was rather optimistic. As has happened before, a good crop just before canning, was spoilt by adverse weather in the last few weeks. The cannery has reduced orders by approximately one-third. The firm has been unable to pack 30oz halves, chunks or whole, but prices remain the same. With severe import restrictions on these fruits, the position could be serious towards the end of the year. Cookery Book.—A concise and well illustrated recipe book Is now being marketed by G B 3 It contains 515 recipes, hints and rover dishes which attract the beginner and experienced rook alike. It will retail at 3s fid. New Cigarette.—The St. James Tobacco Company Is now introducing a king size filter tn a 20 pouch pack to retail at 2s fid: this pack has already met

success in the North Island and Soes under the name of Lincoln, iver the last few years there has been a considerable change in the marketing of cigarettes. At one time manufacturers were happy to stay with one brand name, and channel their sales campaigns along these lines. Lately with the advent of king size cigarettes manufacturers have been introducing new sizes with and without filters under different names, which is the trend overseas. Today there are at least 30 brands and types available from local manufacturers. Tomato Crop.—Following news from the J. Wattie Cannery about the poor peach crop, comes a report that there has been a poor crop of tomatoes. Only Ifioz cans of juice, and 20oz cans of tomatoes will be available. The price will be the same as advised in early March. Muscatels. New season's prices have now been advised by several Australian packers of muscatels, and these are slightly higher than last year. This year the crop has been a good one, and larger quotations will be available for the local and export markets. December is the main selling period and Importers generally book shipments to arrive just before then. Norwegian Canned Fish— Norway's canning season has been a poor one because of bad weather throughout the winter. This has affected the pack of herrings, brisling, slid and shrimps. Canneries are drawing on reserve stocks. So far the local markets have not been affected, but if the reserved stock position should deteriorate the general firming of prices could cause higher prices here.