MARKETING OF EGGS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 11 September 1934, Page 3

MARKETING OF EGGS

NEW ZEALAND POULTRY BOARD’S ACTIVITIES

ENDEAVOUR TO EFFECT IMPROVEMENT

Conditions relative to the marketing of eggs in the Dominion are far from satisfactory from the point of view of producers and consumers, and similar views have been expressed by responsible organisations representing retailers (slates tile secretary of the New Zealand Poultry Board). Whilst every egg that is exported must- be thoroughly tested for freshness and quality, and every crate must be marked with the weight of eggs therein, together with the grader’s certificate, eggs for local consumption may be offered for sale without any indication whatever of the quality of their contents —whether new laid, fresh, stale or chilled. One of the functions of the New Zealand Poultry Board is to develop the poultry industry in the Dominion. Recognising that stabilisation and development of the industry are primarily dependent upon increased local consumption of eggs, and that a. guarantee oi quality would encourage greater consumption, the Board is urging that regulations be brought down to govern the sale of eggs on the local market. CHILLED EGGS

The Board is advocating that all eggs placed in cool stores shall be marked ■‘chilled.” Many thousands of eggs which had been in cool storage for months were sold to consumers (and to retailers) during this winter without any indication of being “chilled,” and actually at the same price as fresh eggs, being frequently mixed with the latter, although they had been in Storage for periods ranging up to six months. Bought at lOd or lid per dozen during last spring and sold in the winter at about 2s (in competition with producers’ fresh eggs), these investments or speculations showed a- net profit of about 100 per cent, for six months. It is not suggested that efficient cool storage results in serious deterioration of the wholesomeness and food value of eggs, but they should be sold on their merits, and priced accordingly. Official returns show that 115,159 dozen eggs were in cool stores in the Dominion oil 31st March 1954, and only 2,787 dozen on 31st July. As far as is known, “chilled” eggs were not ottered for sale as such and the only reasonable assumption, supported by reliable inlormation is that the buyers believed they were being supplied with fresh eggs. Regulations now in iorce provide that preserved eggs shall be stamped with the word “preserved,” and this factsupports the Board’s contention that appropriate regulations for the sale of “chilled” eggs should be brought down as soon as possible.

GRADING ’The Board has requested the Government to bring down regulations to provide for the grading of eggs offered for sale to the public, eggs to he graded for quality and size as may be prescribed, tiie grade to he stamped on each egg. The Department of Agriculture has informed the Board that the matter of preparing proposed regulations is in hand. MARKING For the effective identification of eggs in connection with grading, chilling and preserving it is essential that the ink or other material used should not he so affected by methods in common use as to become defaced, obliterated, or easily removable. In accordance with a request made by the New Zealand Poultry Board the Department of Agriculture is investigating this matter with a view to the adoption of an effective medium. EXPORT DURING PRESENT SEASON Arrangements for export of eggs during the present season are again in the hands ot Provincial Export Committees at Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin, with a central Committee in Wellington whose principal function is to secure shipping space and make allocations to the provincial committees.

Conditions in the meat export trade have affected offerings of space for eggs by the Overseas Shipowners’ Allotment Committee. Facilities for providing refrigerated space for eggs are also limited by the fact that comparatively small chambers only are required, and these are not available in some ships which are due to sail at times suitable for Lfie loading of eggs. During the past year the London egg market has been depressed owing to heavy supplies from the continent, Australia, and South Africa, and for a considerable portion of the summer English National Mark standard fresh eggs were quoted wholesale at Is per dozen and even lower. It is evident however from information received, that British importers. anticipate that prices during their coming winter, when New Zealand eggs will arrive, will be approximately o:i a par with last season’s winter prices. So far chambers for eggs have been secured in three l ships at various port’ 1 at intervals between 31st August and 12tli October with space for 4,550 crates of 30 dozen each (136,500 dozen eggs) which has been tentatively allotted as follows :—Auckland 1,650 crates ; Wellington 500, •Canterbury 1,400; and Otago 1,000. Reports from Canterbury and Otago state that heavy falls of snow and the severe spell of extremely cold, stormy weather lmd materially retarded production, particularly in Otago where, for a time, supplies were sufficient only for local requirements. It is anticipated however, that, with the advent of warmer spring weather, production will soon be in full swing again. Incidentally it may be mentioned that eggs exported from New Zealand are carried as nearly as possible at an average temperature of 34 degrees, and reports from London regarding last season’s shipments state that the eggs arrived in excellent condition.

Competition oil the British egg market is extremely keen arid is in fact, international in character. It has been the dumping ground for the world’s surplus eggs, as may be seen from statistical returns of imports. Many countries have spent large sums in advertising their eggs and pushing sales throughout Britain by every means in their power. Recognising this fact, the New Zealand Poultry Board lias provided 10,000 attractive, coloured show cards, which are being distributed free of charge to exporters, one to be inserted at the top of each crate, for display in retail shops in London and other towns where New Zealand eggs are offered for sale. The show card is very attractive in design and colouring, and should serve a veiy useful purpose in drawing attention to tho excellence of our eggs, whilst the design and wording make an appeal for the purchase of Empire products.

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