EXPORT OF FRUIT

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 261, 31 July 1937, Page 12

EXPORT OF FRUIT

Shipments to the East NEW SERVICES BEING USED Advantage of the new direct shipping services from New Zealand to the East for the development of the markets there is being taken by the Fruit Export Control Board, according to its annual report, which will be presented to the board's conference in Wellington next week. •■For several years there has been a growing interest in the markets of China, East Indies, Straits Settlements and India for fruit and other produce,” the report states. “There is a very limited demand for certain apples and pears, but the expense of meeting this demand often represents 50 tier cent, of the selling price while the shipping service is extremely difficult to arrange. In 1936 approximately SOOO cases were distributed over these markets. Since the 1936 season the O.S.K. Line have opened a direct service from New Zealand to China and the K.P.M. Line direct to East Indies and Straits Settlements. Full advantage has been taken of both the services; nevertheless owing to our inability to obtain satisfactory service to India the shipments to the East show a decided decrease as compared with 1936, the figures being 1936, 7641 eases; 1937, 6205 cases. Provided satisfactory shipping arrangements can be made, notwithstanding the high rate of freight and landing charges, several of the Eastern markets offer fair prospects for limited quantities of selected varieties and sizes.” English Market. Commenting ou the export season generally, the report states that there was probably some justification for the optimism with which the New Zealand grower looked forward to the 1936 export season, although results have not supported that view. The fruit crop of England had been a failure in 1935 and there was practically no carryover of gas refrigerated stocks, but it was recognised that as a result the imports of Canadian and American apples would increase. Unfortunately, the position led to heavy speculation in forward buying of American apples, with the result that there was an increase in Canadian and American imports amounting to 3,300,000 cases to which the United States of America contributed 2,600,000 cases and Canada 700,000. Nevertheless it was anticipated that this extra quantity could be absorbed without unduly affecting the markets and leave only the normal carry-over of stocks into our season. Continental Shipments. ( The tvyo Continental shipments were sold at satisfactory prices and a direct ship for 25,000 cases of Stunners could also probably have been placed. Buyers complained of poorer appearance, particularly Jonathans. The average price of about 9/- sterling net was well over United Kingdom averages. The question of future business in fruit on the Continent bad occupied a good deal of attention, and the London office had kept in close touch witli Mr. G. W. Clinkard, the New Zealand Government Trade Commissioner iu Brussels. It seems obvious that tariffs and quotas are being superseded by exchange agreements based on reciprocal trade between the different countries. The position is being watched closely in the hope that we may again secure a footing iu Germany and France. Board Policy. Shortly after the publication of the report from the commission which investigated the board’s United Kingdom marketing policy, Mr. R. Paynter, Government nominee on the board, left for London where, in addition to being associated with Mr. Turner iu the negotiations for a fresh freight contract, Mr. Paynter applied himself to an investigation of the board’s marketing methods and conferred with all sections of the trade. Subsequently, Mr. Paynter reported that he had become convinced that the policy of the board was iu the best interest of the New Zealand fruit-growers. “Until the markets of Europe are again open, the policy of moderation of quantities to the United Kingdom is sound,” the report adds. “The adoption of this policy by Canada, Australia and New Zealand has undoubtedly benefited the fruit sales of these countries, but it yet remains for the Imperial Fruit Conference to conserve the full benefits of this policy for its adherents.”