N.Z. Fruit Marketed In Unattractive Condition

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 15, Issue 29, 3 May 1950, Page 7

N.Z. Fruit Marketed In Unattractive Condition

“In spite of any explanation so far given we still feel that far too big a proportion of our crop has been reaching the public in a stale and unattractive condition,” says an editorial in the Orchardist, official publication of the N.Z. Fruitgrowers’ Federation.

“We are sure that if retailers could be supplied through the proper channels with fruit in good condition we would hear far less about black marketing.”

The federation emphasises the importance of seeking overseas markets. It points out that the New Zealand market cannot be expected to absorb more than one case per head of pip fruit—approximately 1,750,000 cases—which means that export markets stijl have to be found for about 1,000,000 in an average crop year. Although there 'has been a slight increase in' price, returns from sales to the United Kingdom do not now cover production costs. On this point the federation, in indicating that this may be the last year of Government to Government purchase, says: “Although final returns may be lower in some ways it would be more satisfactory to take a chance of selling on consignment on an open market, with the possibility of doing better, rather than carrying on as at present selling at a loss.”

United States air lines operating internationally had a perfect safety record in 1949.