Round-up Of Fare For Christmas

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30603, 20 November 1964, Page 16

Round-up Of Fare For Christmas

(By Our Grocery Reporter) Christmas is not so far off and already many housewives are planning menus for the big day. Now seems an appropriate time to take a look at some of the lines that will be available.

There is already a steady demand for many of these lines as Christmas baking gets under way. Vine Fruits: These take in sultanas, currants and raisins—all slightly dearer than last year, particularly those imported from Australia. Immediate supplies are readily available, although, with the original curtailment of Import licences, a shortage seemed likely.

Feels: Prices have advanced because of the sugar price increase. AH varieties of peel are readHy available and shortages are unlikely. Walnuts: Imported walnuts may be in short supply. However, it has been a good season for local nuts so there should be plenty. Preserved Ginger: Dearer sugar has also affected the price of preserved ginger and .consumers will have to pay more this Christmas. Stocks, in all sizes, are readily available. Almonds: There could be a problem here as Californian almonds are unlikely to arrive In Christchurch in time for Christmas baking. However, over the last year or so, almond prices have been increasing and this has cut back demand. Almond Paste: There is plenty of this paste in stock, as well as other varieties of nut pastes. Cherries: This is another product which is dearer because of the rise in cost of sugar. Stocks are readily available—both crystallised and glace. Spices: Most spices are once again available and there is very little alteration in prices. Now news of other grocery lines. Salad Dressings: Another "Maggi” line Is now being introduced for the summer season. This is a salad dressing In three flavours, tomato, garlic and cheese. It is easily prepared, economical to use and should give a lift to all types of salads such as tossed, shredded, or vegetable salads and cole slaw. Suggested retail price is Is 2d Fruit Juice: The New Zealand Apple and Pear Marketing Board recently successfully marketed a new line known as "Applecot.” All 20-ounce size stocks have been exhausted but small quantities of 44-ounce are still available.

Pineapple: Not long ago Swaziland entered the New Zealand canned pineapple market with reasonable success. The quality has been good and prices attractive. Shipment is available from the end of December. Chunks in 8, 16 and 30 ounce cans, slices in 16 and 20 ounce, and spears in 16 ounce quantities are left over from last season. A shipment of spears is expected soon in Lyttelton and the price should be attractive. Asparagus: A new pack of asparagus spears packed by J. Wattie Canneries will be available in 12-ounce cans this season, selling at about 3s 3d. Asparagus crops seem good and distributors can expect ample supplies for the coming year. Eggs: Egg prices increased recently but there does not appear to be any shortage of supplies French Salad Dressing: A new salad dressing, prepared in Auckland, in 7-ounce botles is now available on the market under the name of “Koefords.” This can be used with all salads and Is expected to retail for about 2s 9d. In Brief Bell Radio.—Bell Radio Television Holdings, Ltd., Auckland, will pay an interim 5 per cent ordinary dividend, ex dividend November 27, payable December 7.—(P.A.) Correction. Christchurch Stock Exchange advises that the sale of 600 Christchurch Press shares at 66s 6d reported on Wednesday should have been a sale of 60 shares. Fletcher Dividends.—Fletcher Holdings, Ltd., will pay an interim ordinary dividend of 5 per cent, ex dividend November 30, payable December 7, and a 21 per cent dividend on redeemable B preference and C preference shares for the six months to October 31, ex dividend November 23 and payable November 30.—(P.A.) Colonial Sugar. Colonial Sugar Refinery Company, Ltd., will open its debenture issue on November 25. After open, ing of the applications lists, allotments will be made daily as applications are received from shareholders and debenture holders. When the issue is filled no further applications will be accepted.—(P.A.)