FRUIT CANNING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22046, 28 February 1935, Page 12

FRUIT CANNING

GROWTH OF INDUSTRY MORE LOCAL PRODUCE USED The opinion that there has been a greater quantity of New Zealand-grown apricots and peaches canned this season than ever before was expressed by the manager of one of the leading canning firms in the Dominion yesterday. The supplies of peaches are reported to be still sufficient to meet the demand, although from now on it will be necessary to import canned apricots from Australia. "For a number of years a large quantity of Australian-canned apricots and peaches have come into this country, but during the past two seasons the New Zealand canning firms have been able to make an increasingly larger use of fruit that has been specially grown in the Dominion," he said. "The orchards, particularly in the Nelson district, are now coming into full bearing, although the trees have not yet reached their maximum."

Before the orchards were established, he continued, most of the New Zea-land-grown fruit was found to be unsuitable for canning purposes. At the same time, it was excellent for dessert and for jam-making. For canning th« fruit had to be firm and also possess a golden-coloured flesh.

Until New Zealand was in a position to supply fruit required for canning a large portion of the trade had gone to Australia, with the result that the fruit of that country had become established. Some housewives still demanded Australian fruit, and there was still a fair quantity being imported to meet their requirements. As far as his company was concerned, the manager said, it would have to import a quantity of Australian-canned apricots this season, although as time went on and the supplies of New Zealand fruit became more plentiful it was hoped this would not be necessary.