GROCERY TRADE

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21412, 2 March 1935, Page 11

GROCERY TRADE

PROSPECTS AND PRICES Business in the wholesale grocery trade has been fairly bxdsk during the week, owing mainly to 25th deliveries. Turnover still keeps up to a satisfactory level, and the country trade is reported to be good. There has been no price movement of importance during the week. One line of condensed milk advanced by Is a case, but this line not being one of the principal brands, is not of much interest. The recent heavy advance in sheep tongues is reported to have affected sales. This was anticipated, and it is (lie natural result of an advance of this size. Early last month, buyers of cheese were commencing to think values were going higher, and some acted accordingly. However, prices have recently receded overseas, and the local anxiety as to higher prices has subsided. There is nothing further this week to report on the position of the white pepper market. The Singapore market is "all to pieces"; buyers have ceased operations, and are not likely to start again until the London position in respect of the huge stocks there is clarified.

lUiying the. month by the trade is expected to be on a reduced scale. owing to .MarcA 31 being bank balance date for some local banks. Prunes The trade is at present interested in prices quoted for Australian new crop prunes, referred to in this column last week. Fair business is being done, and some buyers are wondering when delivery will be made. Advices are now to hand that prunes will be ready for shipment in the last week in March or the first week in April. This will give a definite indication as to when buyers may expect execution of their orders. Cornflour The overseas markets for bulk cornliour are exhibiting a tendency to advance. The drought in the " United States has so seriously affected the maize crop that the harvest will be short. British manufacturers, as well asjhose in the United States, have to rely almost exclusively on the maize crop of the latter country for material.

rml the British shippers have notified IhrU price:; ; t present are extremely fk'iTK This is confirmed from America. If cornflour prices advance, then an advance can be looked for in American glucose, which is a maize product. JJarley a:;d Peas Late quotations from Melbourne, f.0.b.. iv me good English malting baric y 2s lOri. good Cape 2s fid, and feed barley Is Kid. F.a.q. miling peas, 'ls Od. Salmon Advices received by cablegram from Vancouver state that supplies of salmon available there are fast diminishing'. Already some packers are unable to supply sockcye. Others cannot quote pinks, the whole tendency cf the market being towards shortage of stock;. Seme local importers, who ordered sockcye salmon and recently received ii. were surprised to find that their orders had been drastically cut down and on arrival of their salmon shipment the quantity of sockeye sent was about one-third of what was ordered and expected. Sultanas and Currants Up to yesterday there wa.s no advice as to new season's prices for Australian sultanas and currants. A private advice from Australia states that values have not yet been declared there for local sales. Sometimes prices lor dried fruits are issued lo the Australian merchan's before New Zealand, and although they may not necessarily be the same, they are u guide as lo what to expect here when they come out for Australian buyers beforehand.

On February 1-1 the London agency of the Commonwealth Dried Fruit Export Control Board had only on hand, and afloat, a total of 2921 tons of old season's sultanas, currants, and lexias. This shows that the eh oris to clear London stocks before the new crop is shipped have been reasonably successful. For the week ending February 14, London sales made by the beard totalled 218 tons of sultanas at £36 4s a ton, and 55 tons of lexias at £29 19s a ton. Last year there was a very heavy crop cf sultanas, and the trade is now awaiting details of crop prospects for the coming season of sultanas especial'y. Tea There will be a "wash-up" sale of Indian teas in Calcutta some time next week, and this is expected to be the closing sale of the season. A sale wa.s held last week when a small entry of 600,0001b was catalogued. 'this lea comprised a varied assortment, most of which was inferior in leaf and liquor, brown leaf and stalky kinds forming a large part of the entry.

There was little change in values, but inferior types were very weak. Average prices ran as follows: Broken orange pekoe, common 7 annas 3 pics, medium 7 annas 6 pies, tfood 10 annas 6 pies; broken pekoe,' common 7 annas, medium 7 annas J pies, good 8 annas. Farmings, common fi annas !) pics, medium 7 annas, good did not go past !) annas 6 pies'. The Java market last week was cabled as aclive for small parcels of tea showing fair quality, otherwise there was nothing to report. Mail advice states that a scheme has been under consideration in Colombo to sell to Russian buyers Ceylon teas on credit, which was considered too long by sellers. When trie mail left negotiations had been suspended, but it is expected that they would be opened again in the near future.

If these arrangements are completed, then importers here of common and low grade Ceylon tens must expect a rise in the market for these grades Before the financial coJlap.su of Russian credits in Ceylon, buyers'from that country often operated very extensively at Colombo sales, and they nearly always directed their attention to the lowest grades of tea. They will doubtlessly do the same again, as soon as financial arrangements are complete for the long credit required by Russian buyers. The following prices were averaged last week for Ceylon teas sold °by auction in Colombo:—Broken orange pekoe, common 52-53 cents, medium 95 cents to 1 rupee 10 cents: fine • 1 rupee 25 cents to 1 rupee 50 cents. Broken pekoe, common 49-50 cents' medium 90 cents, fine 1 rupee 10 cenls to 1 rupee 20 cents. The only broken tea quoted was common at 48 cents. Quality showed further improvement and caused a good demand for the better class teas. Low grades met with a better demand, but the chief attraction was for fine quality jrt broken orange pekoe, and broken pekoe. Shelled Peanuts There is a reported shortage of shelled peanuts, but this should be remedied in the near future, as supplies are afloat. Prices will need to be advanced, as the landed costs will show a fair advance in last arrivals. Canned Fruit The present warm spell of weather has caused a persistent demand for canned fruit, and this week the public were calling for canned fruits in a manner not experienced for many years past. Locally, stocks are very light, and pending arrivals of full stocks many retailers are running on very low stock basis owing to the continuous demand. A message from Queensland states that the control authorities there have ordered the withdrawal of prices for

new pack pineapple and agents have acted accordingly. The bookings are j reported to be so heavy that the pacK is expected to be sold, if not oversold, before it is completed. It is understood that very few people in New Zealand had the chance of booking before the embargo went on quotations. The control authorities report that they hope to be able toiuifill orders already accepted, but no further business can be considered. Tomatoes Very low prices have been ruling for fresh tomatoes in the city markets and fair quality lines have been selling at ridiculous prices, hardly paying the growers for cases and cartage. This position is bound later on to affect the sales of tomato sauce and chutney, as large quantities of tomatoes now selling at auction must be going into sauce and chutney in very many homes in Canterbury. Preserved Ginger Considerable business is being done at present in preserved ginger,, as this is the period of the year when this line sells fairly fast. Prices are still in buyers' favour, but with the recent hardening of the markets in the East for raw ginger the indications point to a firmer market in the near future. Crystallised Cherries

New season's crystallised cherries packed in the Dominion are now being offered for spread delivery, in some cases right up to November next. This offers an opportunity for buyers to consider covering their spring requirements at present prices, which are certainly quite reasonable. Canary Seed Orders cabled this week to London for canary seed at recently quoted prices were refused. London sellers state that the market has advanced 10s a ton, and confirmation cannot be obtained unless this increase is agreed upon by buyers. POULTRY AND EGGS MACFARLANE AND COMPANY'S REPORT Yesterday's prices for eggs were as follows: — First grade Is lid to Is 2d a dozen. Second grade Is to Is Id a dozen. WEEKLY REPORT The Red Comb Egg unci Poultry Company report that the pennings of poultry at the sales on Wednesday and Saturday showed an improvement on the previous week. There were a number of country lines, and these, as usual, were of good quality. "White Leghorn hens and unfinished ducklings were in over-supply, and prices were easier. There was an improved demand for heavy duckling and chicken, and go:id prices were realised for those offered.

The average prices realised for poultry during the week a pair are ay follows: —Roasting chicken, light 1o | ss; roasting chicken, medium lo 7s (id; roasting chicken, heavy to 9s (id; hens, light to 3s Gd; hens, heavy to 5s (3d; ducks, to 4s; ducklings, to (is 9d; goslings, to (is Gd; pullets, to 10s; turkeys lOd per lb live weight. Eggs—Tested, machine graded, guaranteed fresh, first grade Is 2d, second grade Is Id. Asnm,'uton rit;s and roi i/ruv .MARKKT There was a fair yarding <;i" pigs and poultry at the Fanners' Mart yesterc!:>y. Trices ranged as follows: Poultry--Hens, Is lo 2s a pair; roosl-Iji-s, Is ad to 4s lvjcl; ducks, Is 7d lo 2s 'id: geese, 3s to ss. Figs- Stores, 2d:; (id; weaners and slips. 9s to 14s Gd. OXFORD MARKKT l-'at sheep comprised tlir bulk of the entry ;it tin: U.xfor.l market, on Thiiisdn.y, the fut iamb pens being well filled, uitliouch Willi the et.H uf more feed, fiinnrn wire holding Hume back fur (hushing, licit tut lambs so <i fioui 2.1s i;,| in 2;;k 2d, lighter lambs 17s In fnt ewes Da Hui In lis, mid fat. wcllier '2os to 225. Forward rape lambs made Us lOd Ui l:in lid, and ilgCll O'.VCS -ts '..1. MS Id. 11l Ihe eillile seeljou' euw3 in prolit brought ;]js to ,t:j, heifers 20s to 2Ss. (loud wcancr pigH so'd from 10s to lis, and smaller ones 7a to Ha. GKRALOINK STOCK SALE There was a fairly large yarding at the fortnightly stock sale at (leraldine, when the allowing prices were realised: I'yne, (build, (luinness, Fid.—fat ewes: Ki.-a.jcii at 12s Id, lti at Kis 4d, 9 at 12s D.l, 2 at ll.s lod, 0 at lis lod, 1:1 at Ills 4(1, Jl at 12s Id, 'J4 at Ills 7d, J. I at 12s Id, (i at 12s 7d, 0 at 14s 7d, 21 at l:)s 7d. 47 at l.'ls 3 0(1, 2 at 12s Id, 4'2 at 12s Id, 41 at lis Jlld, 25 at l'Js JOtl, 2!l lit Jos 10(1, 5at lli.s Id, 2:i at 12s 4d, 211 at 12s 4d, 2-1

sit 1.3s Id, 25 at tin 10(1, fi at Jlh 10il. l''nt wethers: Xiiu:I(!l->i at 10s 10(1, 10 111 JBs 7tl, 10 ni, lls lod, 12 at 18s Til. Fiit lambs; Six at. 17s Id, 14 at J (is 10(1, 1! nl 18s, 17 lit Ids 10(1, 25 at J lis 10(1, 7 at -J 1 s Kid, Hi at 18s lod, 'J.', at 21s Id, 27 at Ills Oil, ;;:) at. :'iis Kid, ."in ui. lu.s .id. :;o at lSs lod, 28 at, 20s -Id, 25 nt lAs 7(1, 72 at '2os 'ld, 02 at Ills 4d, 27 nt, IDs 7d, 27 at Ills 7d, 511 at 20.s Id, ;1() lit ISs 7(1, 28 ill, 21s 7(1, (">r> nt 18s l.Od, 70 at 18s lod, 47 ii'. 20s Id, 100 nt 20s 7d, Gi) at l!)s 7d, 04 at 20s 4(1, 05 at. Ills 4d, 95 at IDs 4d, 00 nt 10s 4(1; 05 at 19s 7d. Store sheep: Thirty-six m.s. lambs at 14s lid, 8 four-tooth cut's at 22s I'd, 4 1 f.in. ewes nt ss, 7 s.m. owes lit 15s lid, 78 ewe lambs at Ills 7d, 88 wether lambs ill, lis -Id, lit f.tn. twos at: 20s, in m.s. lambs at 8s id, 410 wether lambs at 12s (id, :!0 s.m. ewes at 15s ;id, till m.s. bimbs at 14s -id, Hi two-tooth ewes at lfis. :i7 lambs at. lis lod, 15 f.m. ewes at, Os, :.:! iambs at, lis Oil, 55 ewo lambs nt 8s Id, 25 v. ellicr lambs at Os, one wether lamb lit Kin, 122 m.s. lambs at lis Id, 02 f.m. ewes nt :is 7(1, 70 Jambs at 7s 2d, 211 at. (is Id. C'lllle: One cow nt Eli. Three pi ff s nt iris, 2 at 10s Od. 2 nt 10s, 1 at 12s, 1 lit 15s Od, 1 at 15s. 1 at 14s. 4 at, 1 Is, 2 al Os (id, I nt Os (id, 2 at 12s. Horses; Buy mine, nine years, al .HO 10s.

N'ntional Mortijn<cc anil Agency Oomiumy, I,td.—Kill, ewes: fifteen nt JOs lOd, TO sit lis 7<l. 20 at lis 7d. I.'f iit Ms 4(1. I'nl lambs: Thirty nt 17s lOd. 24 at 18s Id. 15 at JHs tod. 59 nt 19s Id. 57 jit 19s JOd, 10 mi. Iris :sd, 53 nt 20s 4(1. Stores: 410 \wither lambs nl 12s (id, 101 nt 7s 2d, 26 tvn-footh wether at 15s 2d. 2(3 at 15s lid, 75 m.s. lambs nt 10s till, 200 merino ewes nt 2s 7d. 200 nt 2s (id, 130 nl 2s 5(1. l>i«s: l'Nnir wenncrs nt Bs, 2 at Os, :i nt Bs. Canterbury Farmers' Co-operative Association, Ltd.—Seventeen fat lambs nt 19s !od, 11 nt 17s 7d, 12 nt 18s Id, 08 at 19s 7(1. 11l at 17s 4d, 19 at 18s (id, 19 nt 17s 7(1, 10 fat ewes nt 12s 7d, 20 at lis 4d, 22 at 12s lOd, 14 at 11s lOd, 13 at 12s 4<l, 5 fat wethers at 17s. 12 at 18s 4(1, 11 fat ewes nt lis 4(1. Store, sheep: Nine twotooth wethers at 10s 10d, 27 at 15s .'id, 150 lambs at Ills (id, 03 at 13s, 45 lambs at 13s Id, 106 f.m. ewes at 10s. Dnlirely and Comnany, Ltd.—Tliirty-fnnr fal ewes fit 12s 7(1, 17 at 10s Id, 15 nt 12s 7d, 2 steers at £3 10s each, 1 fat heifer at .£4 4s.