CHILLED BEEF TRADE

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXV, Issue 161, 24 June 1935, Page 7

CHILLED BEEF TRADE

Expansion in New Zealand

SHIPMENTS INCREASE

AU reports received from Home on chilled beet consignments forwarded this year from tho Waingawa freezing works have referred to the quality ano dressing of the beef as excellent, while the prices realised have been nry satisfactory. As far as Messrs Borthwick* aro concerned the chilled beef industry lius come to stay and is now; regarded as commercially successful. Established in New Zealand within the part two years, tho chilled beef industry is rapidly approaching a point when ilia exports will exceed Uioso el frozen beef quarters. Tho latest entry into the trade is the Auckland Farmers’ Freezing Company, Limited, which forwarded a consignment to Honolulu recently. Tho chilled beef trade is now definitely past the experimental stage. It became established practically during the 1933-34 killing reason. During that season, which ended on September 30, 1934, a total of 19,576 quartets ot chilled beef was exported, compand with 994 quarters the previous season, all shipments being to London. Already, to the cud of April in tliu current season, 28,115 quarters have been shipped, of which 80 quarters went to Honolulu. SUPERSESSION OF FREEZING. The proportion of chilled to frozen beet quarters shipped this season is about 1 to 6, but it is probable that the percentage of chilled l>c®i sent will now increase more rapidly. Sonic experts are of tho opinion that within two years the chilled trade will practically supersede the frozen. In the early stages of the frad-j shipments were limited ly the shipping accommodation available. Now- however, facilities are being provided «.n all meat-carrying vessels. The governing factor at prerent appears to lie tho supply of suitable beet. It i* not wished to endanger the success of the trade by sending other than prime young stock. This aspect is considered very carefully at Waingawa, and only the very best type of beef is allowed to reach tho chilling chambers. The bulk of a recent ehipment from Waingawa was carried by the Federal Line steamer Durham, which also carried a consignment to London from this Farmers’ Freezing Company. The icmainder of the Wairarapn shipment was consigned by the Napier Star. HIGHER PRICES. Tho prime movers in the chilled beef trade were Messrs Borthwicks Ltd. who were followed by Messrs W. and 11. Fletcher, Ltd. Shipment* worn made later from the New Zealand Refrigerating Company’s Imlay works. Wanganui, and the National Mortgage works, Longburn. Palmerston North. It is stated that Borthwicks also contemplate shipments in the near future from their works at Waitara. Durinr the current season chilled beef buyers have been very active in securing the" requirements, and the higher pric'* payable have given a firmer tone to tl * market generally. The shipments of. chilled beef heirmade to Honolulu draw attention (■ tho helpful extension of export markets this season. During the cur rent season to April 30. n total of 37?'’ quarters of frozen beef has been sent to ports outside tho United Kingdom, compared with 1769 quarters in the period lart season. Tho “outside” lamb shipments hnve been 2233 careases, agniiCt 891 carcases, nnd in boneless beef 3892 bags, against six bags. Xre York has taken 2901 quarters of frozen beef nnd 3559 bags of boneless beef, against nil in the previous season.