Fruit prices ‘must increase’

Press, 4 March 1980, Page 13

Fruit prices ‘must increase’

Increased prices .to apple and pear growers will, result in higher retail prices, according to the Apple and Pear Board. The ■ pool paid , togrowers will increase this season from 10.446 c a kilogram to 11.4901 c. a meeting of the Apple and Pear Prices Authority decided last week. This is an increase of about 10 per cent, and is the maximum allowed under the Apple and Pear Marketing Act. “The rise will inevitably be reflected in retail prices,” said the marketing manager of the Apple and Pear Board (Mr K. McGillen). However, the rise in the growers’ pool would ac-

count foe only 'part of the increased retail prices. The rest would result from increased distribution and storage costs. During the harvest, retail prices would be abfe to compete with • gate prices, but later in the season retail prices would rise as the cost of storage had to be met, Mr. McGillen said. The price of 11.4901 c a kilogram in the growers’ pool covers the fruit unpacked. ungraded and without the container, but includes the cartage to the grower's nearest inspection depot. The Apple and Pear Prices Authority has fixed a zero rate. of industry levy for apples and : pears for the year ending June 30, 1981. - •