EXPORT OF FRUIT

Otago Witness, Issue 4041, 25 August 1931, Page 32

EXPORT OF FRUIT

OVER TWO MILLION CASES

RESULTS SATISFACTORY TO GROWERS.

WELLINGTON, August 17. _ The compilation of the returns from New Zealand’s export fruit crop is nearly completed; When the accounts are squared in a few weeks’ time it is expected that the grower will be able to net a satisfactory return in comparison with last season's yield'. Although a light season is usually expected after, a heavy one such as last year, this season was again very heavy, and: the exportable crop was again a record,, both from, the viewpoints of production and return. The Fruit Board exported 1.207,168 cases, while the Otago output,, which is not handled by the board, amounted to 82.725 cases. Last season the whole of the export, including that from Otago, reached 1.331,854 cases. Approximately two-tllir.ds of the exported crop went to the United Kingdom, and portions of the consignments were distributed on the Continental, South American. and Canadian markets. It is anticipated- that the average price realised will reach approximately 12s a ease, c.i.f., London, and, in spite of the adverse marketing conditions in France and Germany, chiefly on account of the trade depression and the flooding of these markets with peaches produced under intense industrial pressure in Italy, the net return to the New Zealand fruitgrower is expected to be somewhere in the vicinity of 7s a case, which is Is 6<l higher than last year. The estimated income is about £440.000 added to which is approximately £40.000 by way of favourable exchange, a handsome present to the producer. Under Hie export control system, about 75 per cent, of the price is advanced to the growers and the remaining 25 per cent, will be handed over when the accounts are squared in a few weeks’ time. The exchange benefits will also be banded on to the producer, a procedure which would not be enjoyed but for the control method. The exportable yield and the price realised are considered to be generally satisfactory, and the fruit producers., the bulk of whose produce comes from Nelson, have, in the present stress, much to be thankful for..