CHRISTMAS SEASON MAKES ITSELF FELT

Press, Volume C, Issue 29685, 1 December 1961, Page 17

CHRISTMAS SEASON MAKES ITSELF FELT

<Bp Our Grocery Correspondent)

. Now that December is here the Christmas season is beginning to make itself felt and grocers are preparing festive displays. Nuts, canned and dried fruits, hams, Christmas crackers, peel, preserved ginger, special packs of biscuits, sweets, and cigarettes are taking up more display space. The trade reports that Christmas shopping is now getting under way but the real rush has yet to come. Tea Prices—The Ceylon tea market has been showing a definite decline in prices we" the last two or three auctions, after a period when prices were more or less steady. Prices of local peeks of tea have not ehanged for some time Freeea roefis Frozen foods have extended to take in Chinese Choppers am now buy chicken chow mein and other Chinese dishes to add an interesting touch to home menus. Attractively packed.

the new fine of frozen food has become very popular in Auckland, where It is produced. Californian Apricoto.—Quotations for the new season’s apricot crop are now coming through from California. A good range is offered. Prices are higher than for Australian dried apricots. Because of import restriction* most Importers are waiting until they hear prices of the new season's crop from Australia. Most of New Zealand’s dried apricots come from Australia because prices are usually more competitive and grade* more suitable. Liquid starch—lfie makers nt Zippy Starch are replacing their 16oz bottle with a new »oz one. Colourfully labelled Ffga—New-eeason figs are now. in the city and will be and brands are available. During the last few years, fig sales have been decreasing and today figs are mainly sold during the festive season.