Sugar Price Up Again

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31006, 11 March 1966, Page 14

Sugar Price Up Again

(Special Crspdf. N.Z.P.A.)

LONDON, March 10.

The United Sugar Terminal Association price for raw sugar was £22 a ton, cost including insurance and freight, for March and April. Last week the price was £2l 10s a ton c.l.f. cases, these increases are 2s to 3s per lb. Today the housewife has a wide range of spices to choose from and several New Zealand packers have been increasing their ranges to Include more exotic spices such as cassia, oreganum, marioram and cardamon. New Zealanders are now requiring more flavouring to their food—the result of more overseas people settling in New Zealand and favouring European dishes. Ceylon Tea: For some time the Ceylon tea market has been firming but this week’s quotations show a slight easing and this might be the trend for the next few weeks. Ceylon is still very unsettled economically and its labour problems still affect the loading of ships. Canned Pineapple: New prices have been received for Singapore pineapple. These show a slight increase resulting from increased sea freight rates between New Zealand and Singapore—approximately 7J per cent. Singapore pineapple is returning to the New Zealand market whereas some years ago It was almost unheard of. Earlier, however, the Singapore fruit was perhaps the most popular variety, but, because of poor quality and other reasons, they eventually lost their market. Canned Tomatoes: According to some reports, the Hawke s Bay tomato crop has not reached expectations, and canning production will be down. This could mean a general shortage later in the year. Yet, for some years tomatoes were a glut on the New Zealand market, with merchants and grocers carrying surplus stocks. Tinned Hams: An Auckland canner will have tinned hams for Christmas. These are expected to be available in 30oz Associated Leather. Group sales for the six months to December. 1963, of Associated Leathers, Ltd., Melbourne-based tannery owner, with interests in Australia and New Zealand, are 6 per cent up on the corresponding period of the previous year. Profits for the half year are about on a par. However, forecasting the next six months’ results Is difficult with the current situation in the hldo market, say directors.—(P.A.)