GROCERY NOTES

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32099, 22 September 1969, Page 18

GROCERY NOTES

(By Our Grocery Reporter) All shipment of raisins and sultanas from Melbourne to Auckland and Wellington will be in containers when the roll-on vessel Marama enters service, this month. The Karepo, which has been on the MelbourneAuckland run for the last few years, will replace the Karanu on the MelbourneSouth Island run. It is expected to provide a more regular service. New Tea Pack.—Bond and Bond. Ltd. the distributors of Choysa brand tea, is producing a new gift pack of tea for Chris’tinas. This pack, which is sold under the name of Ceylon Gold, contains three quarterpound packs from each of the tea-growing areas of Kandy, Dimbuia and Uva, each of which corresponds to one of the three best teas in each Choysa blend. The suggested retail price wIU be 75c a pack. American Rice.—AH rice booked for July shipment by one of New Zealand's largest indentors has not been accepted because of serious transport delays caused by Hurricane , Camille. This rice has been re-booked but the ship is not expected In New Zealand waters until mid November Australian

rice is readily available, and with Fortnightly sailings of the Maheno. and the Waimea service to South Island ports, any possible shortage will be averted.

Ceylon Tea.—The Ceylon tea auction was held earlier this week. There was less activity and prices tended to ease slightly. As the period for sales of quality tea is drawing to a close a slight downward drift of prices can be expected. However, this could take time because the smaller sales during this month will attract more buyers. Syrian Lentils.—Latest market reports received show that the 1969-70 Syrian lentil crop is now being harvested and appears to be a good one. A shipment is expected in New Zealand in February or March next year. Prices ‘are reported to. be advancing. New Razor Blade. —Wilkinson Sword (New Zealand). Ltd, has recently placed a new razor blade in the New Zealand market. After a week's shaving this blade is claimed to shave as well as any other blade used for the first time. A minutely thin layer of atomised chromium forms a “sandwich" between the blade edge and the polymer coating, and protects and extends the cutting quality of the blade. The recommended retail prices of the blades are 60 cents for five and 36 cents for three.