Summer lines linger longer than usual

Press, 14 April 1978, Page 2

Summer lines linger longer than usual

An unusually long summer has resulted in several fruit and vegetable lines “hanging on” at Christchurch produce markets, but a change can be expected soon. A lack of frosts has meant that Canterbury market gardeners are still producing such lines as rock melons, cucumbers, and courgettes, all of which are normally finishing by this time of year. Some early lines of subtropical fruit appeared in markets this week. Tamarillos and kiwi fruit, both from the North Island, were in reasonable supply and attracted a good demand. The tamarillos fetched $9.50 to $10.60 a half-case, and kiwi fruit $3.75 to $4.50 a quar-ter-case and $9 a half-case. A variety of Islands fruit was available yesterday. Vi fruit, a pear-like fruit with a core, appeared for the first time, but attracted little demand because most buyers have little knowledge of it. Tongan avocados and mangoes were available but these were of mixed condition, many being over-ripe. The avocados fetched $2 to $2.50 but New Zealand avocados sold at $2B a carton.

Some Fijian passion fruit sold at $2.50 to $3 a carton.

A drop in apple prices this week has resulted in a rush that has stimulated the .market and started supplies moving again. Several varieties, including some of the better types such as Gala

and Spartan, are available at reduced prices. Increasing supplies of "winter” vegetables are coming into the markets, but demand is , slow. Brussels sprouts fetched $4 to $5 a bag, cauliflower prices have dropped to $1.20 to $l.BO, crown pumpkin sold at $1.50 to $3 a bag, and cabbage, variable in quality, sold at 90c to $2.80 a bag. ' Beans fetched $1.50 to $3.30 a case, carrots $1.40 to $2.10 a bag, onions $2.50 to $4 a bag, potatoes $3 to $4 for Chippewa bags and $l.BO to $2.50 for Ham Hardy bags. Tomatoes sold at $1 to $2.50 for hothouse varieties, and $3 to $3.50 for outdoor varieties.

Warm weather is still bringing an encouraging demand for salad lines. Parsley is selling to 60c ». bunch, radishes at 50c to $1.50 for a case of one dozen bunches,

[spring onions at 80c to $1.50 for the same quantity, lettuces at $1 to $2.50 a case, and celery at $1.50 to $3.30 a case.

Stone fruit is now coming to am end and the demand has dropped off. Peaches, mainly Golden Queen, fetched $1.50 to $3.80 a haifcase, plums sold at $6 to $7.70 a half-case, and nectarines $620 to $6.40 a halfcase.

Cultivated mushrooms sold yesterday at $9.10 to $lO for trays of opens, and $9.30 for trays of buttons. Outdoor mushrooms, in mixed cartons, sold at $8 to $9.60. Glasshouse grapes fetched $3.50 to $4.50 for 2.5 kg cartons, and $7.80 foe 4kg cartons. Outdoor grapes were $2 to $4 a carton.

Supplies of Californian oranges will be replenished next week, and Californian lemons and grapefruit are available now.

A shipment of Island bananas arrived this week and should be available in shops early next week. Ecuadorean bananas are available now.