SHORTAGE OF CANNED FRUITS

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 85, 4 January 1935, Page 11

SHORTAGE OF CANNED FRUITS

Pears and Sliced Peaches

PHENOMENAL SALES IN AUCKLAND Dominion Special Service. . Auckland, January 3. An acute shortage of canned fruits has developed in Auckland, due to the phenomenally high retail sales as a result of the fine holiday weather. Retailers in all parts of the province are now making urgent appeals to merchants for more supplies, but it seems unlikely that many of these orders can be filled. Inquiries in the city reveal that stocks in merchants’ hands are extremely short,, while loeal tanners are practically cleared. Even before Christmas merchants were apprehensive regarding the position, as a succession of fine week-ends had resulted in a heavy drain on stocks. However, they were hardly prepared for the shoal of inquiries received to-day from their customers. The trade has been taken by surprise, and in individual instances stocks amounting to 500 cases of fruit have disappeared as if by magic. Such conditions have not prevailed for many years, and they are in sharp contrast with the experience last season, when supplies had to be carried forward.

Owing to the rise in Australian prices early in 1934, business from that quarter was not extensive. The loeal canning season was not a very favourable one. as a result of stormy weather during the growing season. It is now impossible to obtain supplies from either Australian or local canners. Shortages have occurred chiefly in pears and sliced peaches, but the position is further complicated by reason of the delay in the arrival of the Narbada with pineapples from the East. Usually the eastern boat arrives in the first week in January, but according to latest advice the Narbada is not due until January 14, owing to the Calcutta dockers’ strike. Pineapples are practically unprocurable in the local market, and the Narbada’s shipment should go into rapid consumption. The new season's local fruits will not appear on the market until February and March, It is impossible to say vet what supplies will be like, but a better crop than last year is anticipated.

Grocers in Wellington state also that the abnormally hot weather has caused a similar experience here. Many of them have found themselves unable to replace their stocks of all kinds of tinned goods quickly enough, and a general shortage is beginning to be felt. EXCEPTIONAL DEMAND By Telegraph—Press Association. Christchurch, January 3, “The position is exactly the same here’,” said one Christchurch retailer, when discussing the shortage of canned fruits in Auckland. “Because of many fine week-ends in succession, the demand has been exceptional.” Another retailer, however, said that, although it was true that manufacturers’ and merchants’ supplies weresexhausted, retailers still had good stocks, except of apricots. He thought there was no likelihood that the public would be inconvenienced.