ANOTHER SHORT WEEK FOR GROCERY TRADE

Press, Volume C, Issue 29499, 28 April 1961, Page 17

ANOTHER SHORT WEEK FOR GROCERY TRADE

Anrac Day this week meant another short week for the trade—both wholesalers and retailers—and has meant try* ing to fit five days into four days. Trading is still lacking any real fire and the main problem facing the trade is the likely results of the recent curtailing of “R” licences. Discussions range around the chances of some relief later this year and whether there will be any changes in the licensing system. Slow turn-round of ships at Lyttelton and congestion m the Christchurch railway goods sheds are still causing problems. Supplies of sugar and canned foods from the North Island are still irregular, as shippers are finding it difficult to get shipping space. Colby Cheese. American Colby cheese, a honeycomb textured cheese with a pronounced flavour, is now being made in the South Island by the Cloverlea Dairy atTemuka. It should be on the local market soon. Approximate price will be 2s lOd per lb. The cheese is also being made in the North Island. Australian Rice.—Agents are quoting new season's prices lor Australian rice on a c. 1.1. basis in New Zealand currency Instead of f.o.b. The new prices are down £4 a ton, and this could mean Australia will get more trade from New Zealand than lor ’he last two years, when there has been stiffer competition from other countries.

(By <mr Groeerv Correspondent)

Instant Coffee.—■ Gregg’s instant coffee has been reduced 6d to 4s Sd. Since being introduced on to the market, it has found a good demand and helped lessen the impact of import restrictions. The new price shoulu step up sales still more. Nescafe, the other wellknown brand of instant coffee, sells at 5s 6d for the same size pack. Salmon.—Reports on the 1961 salmon run are already beginning to come in. Japan has not yet reached any settlement with the Soviet Union on expanding its fishing areas, and* it is unlikely that any settlement will be reached before the season opens in early May. The Japanese catch is expected to be poor, although the pink cycle is at its best. The Canadian outlook is not better. Prices are still high, because of poor 1960 catches.

Australian Dried Fruits. First shipments of Australian sultanas and currants will soon be on the way here. This should help relieve the dried fruit position on the local market. Currants, particularly, have been in short supply. Four crown sultanas may be in short supply, but five crown will be shipped at the four crown price. Toothpaste Prices. —Through a printer's error, the new f>rice of McLean’s toothpaste n the large size was incorrectly stated in last week’s grocery notes as 2s Od. instead of 2s lOd. The price for the economy size of other brands is 3s lOd, not 3s Od. as stated.