CITRUS FRUIT REGULATIONS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 255, 28 October 1939, Page 8

CITRUS FRUIT REGULATIONS

CONTROL OF RETAILERS’ PROFITS MAXIMUM MARGIN FIXED I Per Pretss Association.J WELLINGTON, Oct. 27. The Government has decided to fix the maximum margin of profit on citrus fruits. Retailers’ gross profits i are not to exceed the addition of 40 | per cent, to wholesale cost, of the fruit , delivered at the retailerF premises. : In making this announcement thK | evening, the Minister oi Marketing, Hon. Vv. Nash, said that it had been found that there had hitherto been a lack of unanimity in the retailer's gross profit on these fruits and that in some instances the retailer’s margin had been excessive. The margin proposed was considered sufficient io cover losses incurred by the retailer because of wastage. “As a general practice retailers sell citrus fruits at a number per shilling, it is considered that this method is unsatisfactory in that there is insufficient elasticity to reflect alterations in the wholesale price,” Mr. Nash said. “By the adoption ol the method of selling at a price per dozen the public will receive the benefit oi even a small reduction. The wholesale regulations fixing the maximum retail prices and conditions of sale for citrus fruits are being gazetted immediately which will make necessary the ticketing of citrus fruits on display in retail shops. Orange price tickets will show ‘count’ and lemon price tickets will show ‘count’ and ■grade’ of fruit. ‘Count’ refers to the number of fruits originally packed in the case and will be an indication to the public of the size.”