BUTTER AND CHEESE

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 36, 12 February 1931, Page 16

BUTTER AND CHEESE

THE MABKfiT POSITION

Messrs. A."EL. Turnbull and Co. report heavy deliveries of butter, ex. store, during the past five weeks. These exceeded the same period last year by 1800 tons, indicating that the stores were purchasing I protective stocks. Messrs. W. Weddel and Co., Ltd., cable that consumption continues good, with a steady demand,- whilst there is a growing inquiry from Continental sources, especially for unsalted butters, which have.again established a premium of 3s over salted. The retail London price has been kept down to Is 3d, and this is undoubtedly helping the position, together with the •advertising propaganda carried, out; by London importers, in conjunction with,the Dairy Board. The stock position in the United Kingdom is strong, although the quantity in New Zealand awaiting shipment is greater than at 31st January, 1930. Messrs. W. Weddel and Co., Ltd., consider that the market will now remain firm, with a slowly improving market. The cheese market has continued dull throughout the nnnth, and has shown a steady decline. The retail price has been reduced to Bd, but so far this has not stimulated consumption to any extent. There are heavy stocks of cheese on the spot in London, afloat, and in New Zealand, and this is having a depressing effect on the market. Another factor keeping consumption of cheese at a low point is the very cheap retail price for meat, bacon, and other seasonable substitutes. In view of this, Messrs. W. Weddell and Co., Ltd., advise that they do not expect any very great improvement in the market, although with the lower retail prices they are hoping that stocks will1 be cleared more rapidly. ~ Reports are to hand that quite a' number' of Taranaki dual plant factories have already decided to manufacture part of their usual cheese output into butter, arid this should have the effect of somewhat helping the cheese position.