Mergers Changing Wholesale Scene

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31094, 24 June 1966, Page 14

Mergers Changing Wholesale Scene

I By

Our Grocery Reporter!

One of Auckland’s oldest grocery houses closed about ten days ago. leaving only three main wholesale food distributors in that city.

This latest closure is just part of a pattern of changes in the wholesale trade in Auckland. In Christchurch, too, there have been several amalgamations, and it seems that the face of wholesale distributing is slowly changing.

Instant Rice.—Makers of Instant rice have found it necessary to lift prices. This is because ordinary rice is dearer. Sixteen-ounce packs of instant rice now have suggested retail price -of 3s 3d—a rise of 4d.

Edible Oils.—New Zealand has followed the lead of other countries in using edible oils and nowadays most housewives use one variety or another. Grocers, too, keep their shelves well stocked for the rising demand. America not only uses a lot of edible oil, but has a big export market.

Decorations.—Decorations for cakes and ice cream have appeared in Christchurch under the Mini brand. These brightly coloured decorations are in li ounce packs and sell tor Is a pack.

Pickled Onions.—New season's onions are dearer so several

packers have increased the price of their pickled onions.. One Auckland packer has suggested that the new prices, should be 4s 7d for 13 ounces, I 9s 3d for 36 ounces and 15s fid. for 60 ounces. These are rises of sd, fid and 9d. Sandwich Paste.—Salisbury Is adding to its extensive range of sandwich pastes. The new line; is anchovy and tomato. In H ounce and 3i ounce jars It retails at Is 5d and Is lid. Californian Prunes.—Crop dlf-■ Acuities have cut back Callfor- > nian prune production. The Californian State Department of Agriculture expects output to be about 30,000 tons down on 1965. Firmer prices seem likely with some shortage of the better grades. Australia is an alternative market but output there Is also down and larger grades are not available.