Caribbean Tourists Aid N.Z. Trade

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30094, 30 March 1963, Page 20

Caribbean Tourists Aid N.Z. Trade

The value of a thriving tourist trade, not only to the country which attracts tourists but also to other countries which trade with such a country, was brought home to Mr A. L. Paterson, sales manager for Thomas Borthwick and Sons (A’asia) Ltd., during an extended business trip in the Caribbean area from which he has just returned. “For instance,” he said. "Nassau looks to the tourist for a great part of the revenue with which it pays for its imports. Thus the tourist contributes to the well-being of exporters of goods to Nassau, with New Zealand among their number. Of special interest to New Zealand. too. is the fact that the influx of tourists in the season creates a demand for good quality beef by hotels and restaurants. “Here is a field in which New Zealand is in a position to compete with the expensive American beef, provided attention is paid to the customers’ requirements,” he he said “Aust:alia is seeking a share in this trade of course, and now that it has a shipping service as good as thait catering for New Zealand meat, it can be expected to provide added competition. But the field is there.” Mr Paterson said that the traditional butcher’s shop is practically unknown in the Caribbean. The sale of meat has been taken over by the supermarkets, which compare favourably with those anywhere else in the world. “I was interested to note that as labour is cheap and readily available, these supermarkets are very little interested in pre-packaged consumer cuts,” he said.

"They prefer to train their own men to do the cutting

and packaging to meet the known wishes of the local buying public. This does not apply to the same extent in Honolulu and the Pacific generally, but it is a marked feature of the trade in Curacao. Trinidad. Jamaica, Granada and Bermuda, all of which 1 visited. "Although the Caribbean trade is made up of many small markets buying mainly in small orders, over-all it is the fourth largest trading market for New Zealand meat. That is why it is so important to do everything we can to meet the special conditions of the area. Traders in the Caribbean expressed appreciation of the fact that Borthwicks are well aware of this need and are seeing that special conditions are met." said Mr Paterson. During his trip Mr Paterson also visited Fiji. Honolulu. the United States and Canada.