Almonds May Be Dearer Still

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31421, 14 July 1967, Page 12

Almonds May Be Dearer Still

(By Our Grocery Reporter)

If the forecasts of smaller growing areas are correct, almond prices are expected to rise again this year.

For the last two or three years almond prices have been extremely high and this has been because of poor crops in various parts of the world. Last year California had a record crop of 96.2 million pounds of shelled almonds but this year, because of heavy snow and other poor weather, production is expected to be down. It was hoped to be more than 100 m pounds. Other growing areas, such as Spain and Morocco, are less, which points to higher almond prices.

Californian Prune*.—A recent survey ef expected crops for this year shows that 128,001 tons will be harvested. This is 3 per cent below last year's light crop and means that the crop will be down 17 per cent on the 1001-85 average. Sometimes, towards the end of the season, prices for the old crop decrease, but In this case it fs expected that they will remain firm until the new erop comes In.

Pipe Tobacco. Rothman* (N.Z.) Ltd. hae released a pipe tobacco, both in flake and mixture. This brand, Erinmoro, has been in New Zealand from time to time, particularly some years ago when import licensing restrictions were relaxed. This tobacco Is In a 2oz tin. and sells for *sc.

Toberoa Products. Toheroa beds have been closed down tor commercial uae. One of New

Zealand’s largest tanner of toheroa products including soup, whole and minced toheroas, has advised distributors that it has no stocks for distribution, for some years toheroa soup has been readily available and in some cases surplus stocks have been held. There has been a strong demand at wholesale level and if this keeps up It is expected that stocks will be short before long.

Small Goods.—An Auckland bacon curer and manufacturer of small goods has recently entered the Christchurch market and is successfully selling wieners . and hot dogs. These two lines are packed In ilb vacuum packs of attractive design with a suggested retail price of 20e and 21c respecUvoly. These packs carry recipes and methods of use.