TRADE WAITING FOR IMPORT SCHEDULE

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30389, 13 March 1964, Page 18

TRADE WAITING FOR IMPORT SCHEDULE

[By Out Grocery Correspondent] Everyone in the food trade is anxiously waiting for details of the new import licensing schedule, which has now been prepared for the new period.

There have been rumours of import cuts, but it is hoped that these will not prove to be true. It is felt in the trade that

Canned fish, particularly fish have been scarce recently. During the last licensing period local production of fruit—peaches and apricots—did little to help the supply position. Canned fish, partiiularly salmon and herrings, in spite of a 15 per cent increase several months ago. has also posed supply problems for the trade. Another point is that grocery trends are changing and there is a feeling that the import licensing schedule should be more elastic. Bournvita.—Bournvita, made by Cadbury, Fry. Hudson, has gone up in price. The rises are: up 2d to 4s 5d for 12-ounce packs, up Id to 3s 7d for Jib canisters, up 3d for lib and 6d for 21b. Drinking chocolate is also Id dearer at 2s Id for Jib packs. Gravy Colouring.—Bisto is now being made in Auckland. This follows the take-over by Cerebos. of England, of Whittome, Stevenson. Auckland. Bisto was a popular line in New Zealand. Dessicated Coconut.—NewZealand gets good quality dessicated coconut from Tonga, but the Tongan Copra Board has advised that it is taking no further orders from now until the end of June. Two other markets are Ceylon and the Philippines. Ceylon is not popular because of shipping difficulties and high prices, so it seems the Philippines, with good quality coconut and frequent shipping services, may be New Zealand’s supplier. Disinfectant Jeyes Fluid is dearer. The new prices are 4oz 2s sd. up Id; Boz 3s 6d, up 2d: and 16oz 4s lid. up id. Two other lines. Sprayform and Sprayfecto. are now 4oz for 3s 2d and Boz for ss—increases of Id. Jam Prices.— The makers of St. George jam have advised new prices. The increases are substantial. The new prices took effect from last Monday The rises are 3Jd for 14oz cans and 7d for 28oz cans, while jars are-up approximately 4d.