Grocers Will Be Stock- Taking

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30709, 26 March 1965, Page 13

Grocers Will Be Stock- Taking

(By Our Grocery Reporter) Trading between grocery wholesalers and retailers is now quiet. As is usual at this time of the year, traders are stock-taking.

Local price changes have now eased considerably. Alterations were first made when the price of sugar was reduced but higher costs of raw materials caused by last year’s wage order increase have made other goods dearer for the consumer.

Cereals Dearer. —Vimax earlier this month announced an increase of 2Jd for both popular sizes of its breakfast cereals. The two pound size will now sell at 3s 2d and the four pound at 5s lid. Dehydrated Beans.—Already

selling successfully In Invercargill and Dunedin, “Surprise” sliced green beans are being introduced. They are in oneounce packets, which should give four servings, and will sell at 2s Bd. Earlier, peas were introduced under this brand name and have become a large selling line.

American Rice.—Little rice has been shipped from the East Coast of the United States because of shipping strikes. But strikers there are now returning to work and shipments are expected late April or early May, arriving here about the end of June. Because the new licensing period begins July 1, Importers should be able to place orders for the new period.

Canned Reaches.—Canning of peaches Is well under way in Hastings. Late last week canning had not been completed but forward orders should be filled. All retail sizes are available for prompt delivery and distributors can expect stocks in short supply within a few days. Packing of fruit salad has begun and canning of pears is completed and all orders will be met.

Canned Apricots.—Messrs W. Gregg and Company, who distribute Roxdale apricot products, are offering apricot halves in 16 ounce, 30 ounce and five pound cans, and apricots whole and Roxdale pulp in five pound cans. These should be readily available through the year and later, quantities of peaches and greengages should be available.

N.Z. Salt.—Grassmere should produce a record tonnage of salt this year but the six grades available are all coarse and will have little affect on the grocery trade. Here, the market is for fine table salts which will still nave to be imported mainly from Great Britain.

Imported Cheese. Licences granted by the Customs Department for imported cheese are for the current licensing year and buyers have been placing orders for prompt shipment. Some old favourites such as Stilton Gruyere, and Danish Blue, will be on sale late May or early June. Connoisseurs of cheese can then compare these imported cheeses with similar types developed in New Zealand m the last few years.

Motor Specialties. Motor Specialties, Auckland automotive parts and accessories distributors, will pay a steady 5 per cent Interim on April 15. Total pay-out last year was 10 per cent.—(P.A.)

McKendrick Move.—McKendrick Consolidated Industries. Auckland, has taken a small interest in Custom Carpet Distributors, Ltd., a new carpet distributing company. Mr L. J. Johnstone holds 8000 of the 10,000 20s shares; McKendrick holds the rest. McKendrick will supply the new company I with a line not previously 'marketed.—(P.A.)