Grocers Changing To Winter Lines

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31658, 19 April 1968, Page 17

Grocers Changing To Winter Lines

(By Our Grocery Reporter) Since Easter, trading by the grocery trade has been brisk and grocers will be changing to winter lines.

Many have had to replenish stocks because of the damage caused by the storms before and during Easter. Shops were damaged, windows were blown out and water ruined some stocks. Winter lines are being advertised vigorously and these include canned soups, baked beans, spaghetti and bacon. Chinese Geoseborrlee.—For several years New Zealand cannert have been packing Chinese gooseberries for both the local market and overseas. This fruit, also known as Kiwi fruit, has been exported since 1953. Today there are about 1000 acres under commercial cultivation, mainly in the Bay of Plenty and It is thought that this is insufflcient. They have been exported fresh to the United Kingdom and also the United States and have sold at 25c each in New York At present two varieties are available In cans and these are 13oz and Hot cans with suggested retail prices of 39c and 33c respec-

New Canned Soup.—J. Wattle Canneries, Ltd, is Introducing e minestrone soup In a ISoz can. This is the first time this type of soup has been produced in New Zealand in a can but it has been available in a packet form. The suggested retail price is 23c. Nuts.—Since the delieenslng of edible nuts importers have been able to place orders tor arrival early In July. For some time the nut market has been bare, particularly peanuts and almonds. Shipments of both these nuts can be expected

early In July and will arrive on an extremely short market. Californian almonds are available and this is the last of last season’s cron.- These almonds in the past have been popular on the local market and. It Is hoped that devaluation will not make them too dear. Coconut.—The coconut market is very firm and prices are still Increasing. The Tongan aspect is not clear and only small quantities of coconuts are being processed. This will allow the Tongan Copra Board to make some shipments against outstanding orders. There is still no advice when stocks will be available to Christchurch. In the meantime the Waltakl has left Ceylon after much delay and Is expected here In the middle of May. There has not been much coconut offered from Manila and shipments are not expected from this area. In the meantime the local market remains fairly bare.