RECORD SEASON EXPECTED

Southland Times, Issue 23378, 9 December 1937, Page 4

RECORD SEASON EXPECTED

TABLE DELICACIES FOR CHRISTMAS SHORTAGE OF CANNED FRUIT PROBABLE Merchants in Invercargill are making preparations for what is expected to be a record Christmas season, and already wholesale firms have received most of their imported stocks of Christmas delicacies. Although the present year has been a difficult one for importers, as prices for foodstuffs generally have been high and certain lines have been difficult to obtain, the New Zealand market is being well catered for. Canned fruits have had record sales and there will probably be a shortage before the season is over. Queensland tropical fruit salad is unobtainable and there are few shipments to come to hand before March, so it will miss the Christmas trade. This line made its first appearance in New Zealand about three years ago and has met with a keen demand ever since, some of the northern merchants buying 1000 cases at a time. Strangely enough, it has not affected the sales of canned or fresh fruit. The hot weather has created a heavy demand for cordials, which, however, are locally manufactured and are plentiful. Indications are that the traditional Christmas pudding will be rejected in favour of lighter fare more suited to the summer table.

Date supplies are assured for Invercargill, as Bluff was the first port of call for the shipment, but Auckland will not receive its consignment till the New Year.

The war in Spain has had its effect on the supply of nuts, and Barcelona nuts will be considerably higher in price this year. Brazil nuts are scarce and prices are more than 50 per cent, higher than they were a year ago because of a small crop Although the importations of figs in some of the northern towns are not of good quality the consignment that has come to Invercargill is in perfect condition, and better than for some years.