PRESERVED MEATS

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 138, 6 March 1920, Page 6

PRESERVED MEATS

TENDENCY OF HOME MARKET.

Some interesting observations on the Home market for New Zealand preserved meals arc made in a letter which has just been received from a well-known firm dealing with New Zealand exports m Great Britain. The letter points out that there are indications that canned mutton and beef are heading for the true and more workable basis of values, compatible with the usual demand for this class of goods, and doubtless that would have been reached long ere this had not may buyers hllcd themselves up in anticipation of trade with Germany, which for various reasons has not materialised to the extent expected. The consequence is there are large holders of parcels purchased at big prices, trade is stagnant, and large supr plifcs aro arriving, especially from South America. Before the war, tinned mutton and beef found a ready outlet in tho poorer localities throughout tlie country, the 'Midlands and northern districts being the largest, consumers. The reason for this was that whilst it was wholesome food, it was cheap, compared with fresh meat, did not need cooking, and could be readilv put up into sandwiches if desired. To-day the price tit which it is retailed, viz., from Is.'lOd. to 2s. per lb., considerably restricts the demand, and compares unfavourably with the price of the fresh joint. Consequently,, the persons who'used to be the. largest consumers find the prios-prohibitive, especially with ordinary meat becoming more anil more plentiful. During tho later stages of the war, when the toll of ships sunk by "U" boats reached alarming figures, preserved meats generally came into use very largely—in fact, anything edible mot a ready sale at high nrices. This period' has long since passed, and it is becoming more and more evident that tho public :'s out for a reduction in the cost of living generally, and shows more discrimination in obtaining value for money. Naturally, this must have its effect on canncd goods.