CONSUMPTION OF FRUIT

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 12196, 22 July 1925, Page 9

CONSUMPTION OF FRUIT

POSITION NOT SATISFACTORY LARGE SURPLUS OYER EXPORT ON HAND WHAT IS THE REMEDY? “In regard to the consumption of fruit jn New Zealand the position has not been satisfactory,” said an official to a “Times” representative yesterday, “There was a large production of apples last season, and although a fair quantity was exported—something in the vicinity of a quarter of a million cases—there is more than the average quantity of apples to. be disposed of locally.” There had been some complaints that the export of the best quality left a larger percentage of lower grade apples for local markets, but it was pointed out that while that might apply to some extent the amount of fruit exported was only a , small portion of the general crop, leaving much more .than a normal quantity to be disposed of. There is still a large supply of export, quality apples yet to come on the market. “The difficulty,” it was stated, “in regard to the whole question is the' almost entire lack of standard packing, that is the separation of fruit into different grades whereby the buyer is enabled to differentiate, between, good and bad, instead of being compelled to buy a job lot, trusting to luck that the cases will give a fair average of good quality fruit." ' Although Sturmers cost 4d and 6d per lb in tlie shops, it was remarked that through certain channels—which might be described as semi-private—-a 401 b case of Sturmers, practically of. export quality, can be obtained for Gs 9d. It was considered that there was a big trade in Wellington for fruit delivery in cases provided, that the owners were booked and delivery made straight from the wharf, und this trade could be done, round about jr. per case. At present the initiative along these lines was with the buyer, and the' business would- not develop until that position was altered.