Rugby Fever Has Effect On Trade

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30810, 23 July 1965, Page 17

Rugby Fever Has Effect On Trade

(By Our Grocery Reporter.)

Rugby may seem to have little to do with the grocery trade, but several organisations are using the current Rugby fever for advertising, promotion of certain lines and to give a lift to sales.

One game against the Springboks has already been played in Christchurch and there is another tomorrow. Big games bring a lot of visitors into Christchurch and this also boosts trade. Mushrooms.— Watties has put a new eight-ounce can of mushrooms on the market. These are sliced in brine and are expected to sell for about 4s 6d a can. But fresh mushrooms are readily available these days now commercial growers have entered the market. Now there are year-round crops instead of iust the old mushroom season. American Rice. — Shipments of American long grain rice have been delayed several times, but some is expected at Lyttelton early next month. A new crop will be harvested in September but prices are expected to rise because of higher freight rates. Canadian Salmon.— Agents are now taking orders for new' season’s salmon although prices are not yet out. Speculation is there will be a 2s a case rise. Some packers still have limited supplies of last year’s pink salmon. Preserving. Manufacturers are already looking ahead to the next preserving season and are asking merchants to place orders for seals, screw bands and so on. Suggested prices are 3s a dozen packet of dome or flat seals and 3s a dozen for screw bands.

Baby Powder. — Manufacturers of Ge-lven products are now introducing a large-size pack of baby powder, it is a 14-ounce plastic economy pack that should sell! for 5s 9d. Turkish Figs.— An excellent crop of Turkish figs is expected this season and prices are in .ine with those of last year. Shipment is promnt, but it has always been difficult to get stocks here in time for Christmas—the best selling period But there is a chance that with ’ranshipment through Australian ports supplies should arrive in time this year. Japanese Salmon.—New season's prices for Japanese salmon show price rises on last year pink, the most popular variety, is available in both standard and fancy grades. The pack is not large and some agents are advising importers to book promptly to make sure their orders are filled.