Brighter Tone In Grocery Trade

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30145, 31 May 1963, Page 15

Brighter Tone In Grocery Trade

IBv Our Grocery Correspona ent I

Although no records have been broken, May has been quite a good month in the grocery trade after the dull trading of earlier months this year. This is the first of the winter months and such lines as canned and packet soups, frozen foods, oats and breakfast foods are in steady demand. The immediate outlook is for a good level of trading and many grocers will be trying to make up ground lost earlier in the year.

Retail sugar prices have now been raised three times this year and. according to trade sources, they could rise further yet. Only about half the average household's sugar supplies are bought in that form, the rest being consumed in confectionery, jellies, and so on. Many of the foodstuffs containing sugar have already been increased sharply in price. There has been some speculation in sugar at the retail level in recent weeks, but the New Zealand Sugar Company has so far met all demands.

Canadian Salmon.—Earlier it was advised that stocks are being held of some types of Canadian salmon and the new season’s prices were not expected till July. Recent advice from Canada states that some packers are reducing the price of stocks of 11b and jib tins of fancy pink. This move is apparently, to clear the warehouses before the new pack arrives in July. Canners are prepared to accept orders at this stage for shipment in AugustSeptember subject to the price being advised.

Guavas. —Several agents have been quoting prices for South African guavas and importers are able to take advantage of this as the new Import licensing schedule permits limited quantities to be imported. Guavas have been a popular fruit in recent years, particularly as they supplement fruit salads and similar dishes and the fruit is attractively priced. Tapioca.—For some time tapioca prices have remained the same. The latest quotations show they have eased up to approximately £2 per ton. Importers who have not already booked their winter requirements could possibly avail themselves of the easing market, which could decline further.

Lentil Prices Down.—This market has also been easing. At the beginning of the year prices had risen considerably, when the market took a sharp rise in price. So far it has eased £2 a ton but is still higher than normal.

Almond Prices.—For the last year or so almond prices have been high and quotations coming to hand over the last week or so show that these higher prices are being maintained with a possibility' of firming still further. The high cost of almonds has had a retrograde effect on almond products such as the whole and ground nut, and it would appear that almond sales have been drifting over the last few months, particularly since Christmas. Rice.—All types of rice have been in demand over the last Week or two on the local market and stocks of some types Save not been readily available. A recent shipment from Australia has helped to relieve the position and American varieties, including long grain, are expected in the city in the near future. Long grain rice is becoming more popular and today it probably outsells short grain rice.