“BEST IN THE WORLD"

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16534, 29 December 1927, Page 8

“BEST IN THE WORLD"

NEW ZEALAND HONEY MARKETING METHODS (Special to the Ho raid.) WELLINGTON, this day. Summarising a detailed report of Ids investigations of the methods of marketing Now Zealand honey overseas, Mr. J. lientonl, chairman of the Honey Control Hoard, says there is no doubt but that New Zealand honey has gained the leading position in the markets of the United Kingdom.

“t his fact is so well established that it was accepted in evidence by the German courts when our German agents were prosecuted, on the complaint that our agents were making statements detlimental to their competitors,” he says. One of these statements was that New Zealand honey was ‘the best in the world.' This the German courts decided they .were entitled to do on account of the position our honey occupies in Great Britain. \\ Inle our honev occupies this posiiiun it is, ot course, still subject to the competition ol other honeys, the prices ol which have been brought, very ion liv the struggle they are having to held or gain a looting on the English market While there is a certain amount ol satisfaction in occupying this premier position, it- is moye interesting to know what- iho prospects are for an improvement ot prices and an extension of our business to meet increases in production.

“I consider that we have so established oar honey on the market in retail packages that development will progress, indefinitely if we, continue on good business lines. There is a big potential market in the countries in which wo are operating a,ml this market can be developed just according as wo are prepared to spend money to do it. It has to lie remembered: that the United Kingdom is going through a very hard period in ils eil'orls to re-establish its trade after the war disorganisation. There are. already practical indications of improvements, and as this makes progress, so will exporters of primary produce beneiit. As our market develops and the quantity of our sales increase so "ill out costs he lessened and our returns improve. ‘‘While the United Kingdom has a large potential market it has to be, remembered that it requires as much effort and business ability to sell there as it does elsewhere. 1 here is hardly a period when there is a shortage of honey. on the market. It therefore requires the closest vigilance on the part of our agents at the other end to keep our business to the front, and also on the part of producers at this end to keep up the quality of our product. The buyer in the United Kingdom has a very clear knowledge of what he requires amt knows to just a nicety what honey will suit him. A little difference from his requirements or fault in the honey will make either a, saleable line or dead stock. The producer has, therefore, his pari to play in keeping the market for bis production good, it is absolutely essential to got the best sales in marketing in (be, (fid Country to be able to supply just what i.s required. One hears from all. sides remarks about faults in various Dominion products winch are a, serious detriment to their sale but which, by taking a little care, can be avoided.

“My visit Home 'has convinced me that no organisation selling produce in ik ' Home country can afford to keep out of touch with their markets. I consider if essential that someone visits the field of our markets at least every two or thmi years. Either this or that the industry have a representative in ISrit-

Ihe latter would he more expensin' and would not keep' tho two sides so closely in touch as an occasional visit from this end.”