Christmas Baking Already Begun

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31226, 25 November 1966, Page 17

Christmas Baking Already Begun

(By Our Grocery Reporter)

Good supplies of most components are readily available for Christmas baking, which has begun already.

Nuts, such as cashews and almonds, are not plentiful. There should be ample supplies of Christmas cakes and puddings available in shops.

Australian Evaporated Apricots.—A good crop of apricots should be harvested in Australia this season. This year has

been a poor one for deliveries, with some merchants receiving their orders six months after they have been made. Many importers are considering buying from South Africa and California. However, Australian suppliers are anxious to improve delivery, and intend making full use of the cool stores for holding packed stocks. Tentative orders placed by importers now will be confirmed when prices are announced early next year.

Rice.— lnstead of easing in price, rice has in fact firmed slightly, because of a smaller United States crop and regulating of exports from Thailand. American exporters believe that the world demand will sustain higher prices throughout the season. Latest quotations from Bangkok are the same as the opening prices in October. Rice stocks are low locally, but shipments from the United States are expected soon.

Ceylon Tea.— lndustrial problems in Ceylon are crippling the tea trade. The Orna, which was to have picked up a tea cargo for New* Zealand, left Colombo empty of tea, and the next shipment will not arrive here until late January or early February. Because reasonable stocks of tea are held here, no shortage is expected. N.Z. Canned Fruit.— Since import restrictions have been imposed on foods such as canned peaches, apricots and pears, there has been a shortage of stocks in New Zealand. However, reports from Nev/ Zealand canneries suggest that this will be the first season in which there has not been a shortage of fruit.

Smoked Mackerel.— A new line of canned fish, under the Oak brand, is selling in New Zealand. It is in an 11 oz tin which will sell for about 2s fid. Quite a few New Zealand brands of fish have been successful lately and with the shortage of imported fish, now may be a good time to enter the local market.