FRUIT EXPORT TRADE

Evening Post, Volume CXXI, Issue 88, 14 April 1936, Page 12

FRUIT EXPORT TRADE

BULK TO UNITED KINGDOM

TESTING OTHER MARKETS

Exports of fruit (apples and pears) | from New Zealand to March 31 last, wore 240,393 cases of apples and 21,408 ] cases of pears. Of this produce all but | 59,194 cases of apples and 2131 cases I of pears were for the United Kingdom. Fruit shipped to other destinations was 500 cases of apples to Jamaica, 25,087 cases of apples and 2131 cases of pears to North America, and 34,189 cases of apples and 582 cases of pears were for the Continent. The Fruit Control Board reports that the total shipments for this season so far as it has gone are below those for the same period in 1933, 1934, or 1935, and leaves a solid shipping programme for April .and May. It seems impossible to estimate crops this season, but as far as can be judged, the Dominion crop will be greatly less than was originally anticipated. Severe storms have taken a heavy toll from the North Island orchards, while hail in Nelson will prevent the export of much fruit. This general shortage, together with the lateness of the season, has been reflected in space cancellations that have been necessary up to the present time. In the shipments so far made are included pears for Montreal and apples to Kingston and Jamaica. The former is on the recommendation of Canadian agents, who report fair market prospects. The shipment to Kingston was made direct and comprised Delicious, which variety sold in Jamaica at good prices last year. Until recently it has been difficult to obtain entry of New Zealand fruit into Jamaica, but the prohibition has now been lifted, and although the market is somewhat limited, nevertheless it would appear to be a valuable one. EASTERN MARKETS. The board is anticipating bigger shipments to Eastern markets this season, but the quantity actually forwarded will depend greatly on the shipping available. At the present time •it is necessary to tranship either at Sydney or at Honolulu, but while it is not difcult to get the fruit to these two places, it is difficult to obtain space on the on carrying steamers. For new markets the Government has agreed to guarantee 9s per case c.i.f. New Zealand currency in respect of each varietj', plus transportation costs in excess of those on fruit shipped to the United Kingdom. The position as far as sales on the Continent is concerned is rather vague yet, but it would appear that there is little likelihood of sales being effected. It is well known that trading conditions with Continental firms are very difficult. APPLES FOR BRAZIL. Growers have been advised of the sale of 30,000 cases to Brazil, and this shipment will be leaving very shortly. The board is finding it difficult to obtain the required percentages of extra fancy and fancy, and also of the "A" and "B" size groups. At the recent board meeting applications were received to export varieties not included in the Government regulations, but which were permitted last year. These applications were granted, but the board resolved that the matter be reviewed at the annual conference.