Fruit abundant, but demand slack

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32798, 24 December 1971, Page 18

Fruit abundant, but demand slack

There has been little demand for the large supply of fruit that has reached the Christchurch produce markets this week, and prices have dropped.

Growers have recorded bumper crops of stone and berry fruits this year, and it is expected that there will be a plentiful supply of most fruits for some time. A big supply of peaches, plums, and cherries is available. Apricots are slower to reach the markets, but it is expected that there will be plenty available when they do arrive. The Central Otago apricots that have arrived have been in excellent condition.

Strawberries, raspberries, tomatoes, and new potatoes are abundant. Fresh peas were in demand yesterday, but with few available they were retailing for about 15c per lb. There was a keen demand for Christmas lilies. Other retail prices yesterday were:—Cherries (good quality), 50c to 85c per lb; apricots, up to 48c per lb; peaches, 29c per lb; plums, up to 49c per lb; strawberries, 27c to 37c a punnet; rasp-

berries, 35c to 38c a punnet; lemons, up to 30c per lb; new potatoes, 7c to 10c per lb; lettuces, 10c to 19c each; tomatoes, 29c to 40c per lb; cabbages, up to 27c each; cauliflower (scarce), 30c to 39c each; celery, 60c a head; spring onions, up to 14c a bunch; radishes, 9c a bunch; New Zealand grapefruit, 25c to 29c per lb.