N.Z. Potatoes Unpopular

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30882, 15 October 1965, Page 1

N.Z. Potatoes Unpopular

(N.Z. Preus Assn. —Copyright) SYDNEY, Oct. 14. New Zealand potatoes were not completely popular at Sydney markets because the washing they got showed cuts and skin damage, the “Daily Telegraph” reported today.

The newspaper said the potatoes were selling at a much lower price than the local product, on an undersupplied market. "Because of skin blemishes th* imported potatoes were

unattractive to shoppers and would not keep, retailers, distributors and selling agents said at Sydney markets this week." the newspaper said. One retailer, Mr A. Bonica, of Miranda, said: “I won't touch them.”

Potatoes, transported in the hold of a ship from New Zealand plus the handling they received in New Zealand and Australia, became highly perishable, he said. Mr J. Arena, a retailer from Lindfield. who has been selling fruit and vegetables since 1930, said he could sell "Twice as many locally grown potatoes as the New Zealand ones.” Appearance was the main reason.

Housewives looked at the potatoes in the shop and if the skins were bruised or discoloured they would not buy them, he said. “Turnover is most important to the retailer, and if the housewife won’t buy. them from us we won’t buy them at the markets,” Mr Arena said.

Mr L. James, a wholesaler distributing vegetables to about 20 small shops in the Wyong district, north of Sydney, said he could not handle New Zealand potatoes. The shopkeepers he supplied had been unable to sell the potatoes because of their i "second-hand” appearance.