APPLES AND PEARS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 136, 9 May 1940, Page 4

APPLES AND PEARS

SALE OF SURPLUS FRUIT. SUCCESS OF CAAIPAIGN. Per Press Association. ' WELLINGTON,' May 9. In an intervietv the Director of Internal Alarketing (Air F. R. Picot; made sei'eral comments concerning the progress of tho Government’s marketing scheme for apples and pears. “Owing to the interest that has been created in the apple and pear marketing scheme, Avhich AA r as initiated following the advent of Avar at the request of the orchardists of the Dominion, I Avould like to say that Avhile tile market prices are not likely to rise a great deal, Ave have reached a stage Avhere jt can be said that tho glut position has passed. “During the flush of the season apples Avere of course in very heavy supply and accordingly the price on tho market fell to a A-ery loav level—in fact to a lov’d Avhicli Avas far below the production costs as paid by the Government to the producer. It AA-as, therefore, inevitable, that as soon as supplies began to ease off the price Avould tend to rise, and this must, of course, invariably follow Avhere prices have been forced down to an uneconomic level as a result of glut conditions.

“Recently my attention Avas' drawn to a sale of Cox’s Orange apples which Avas made in AVellington, where the price reached an absurdly high level, but- I Avould like to point out in this connection that this particular line consisted of a A-er.y limited number of cases Avhich could practically be counted on the fingers of the hand. This variety Avas' in fact an. out of season line. Consequently, it was natural that competition for these few cases by fastidious buyers would inevitably result in an artificially high price. “While briefly mentioning this particular variety, it may be of interest to outline the sequence of tile better known apples ns they come on to the market. The first variety is the Gravenstein Avhich is ready for the market during January and is usually available to the public in that month and February. The Cox’s Orange . follows and its" selling period runs during late February and Alarch. The next principal varieties are Delicious and Jonathan—lines that are hoav selling so reasonably throughout Neiv Zealand. Finally, that well-known and popular brand—the Sturmer—ivill become available. This is a firm fleshed apple of splendid keeping qualities, usually on sale during the second half of the year. GOOD QUALITY FRUIT. “During the height of the season a A-ery strenuous effort Avas made through various advertising appeals to develop the case lot trade to consumers, and Avith the assistance and co-operation of the fruit retailers throughout the country this effort was carried to a very successful conclusion, and a high proportion of most desirable fruit Avas disposed of in this way. By special arrangement with the retailers, the department was able to fix and announce a price for such ease lots delivered to the home, hut Avhen it Avas realised that supplies Avere likely to fall off, and it Avas probable that prices Avould rise as a result, tho department issued some weeks ago a special advertisement pointing out that the case-lot- price of' 5s 6d. per ease could only he maintained for a feAV days after which it Avas obvious

that a firming in values would take place. Nevertheless, even.at to-dajds prices, which range from 4s_ 6d to 7s per case (wholesale) for varieties, in season, apples are not dear, and I notice in most retail shops that this fruit can be purchased at reasonably low prices. Cookers have also been particularly cheap this year, because of extra quantities on the localmarket which are normally exported. It is also interesting to note that the quality of the fruit which has been marketed this year is on the whole much superior to that sold formerly. This is due to the improved methods of standardisation which have been adopted under the Government’s marketing and grading plan, and it is very gratifying indeed to know that this development has created, so much favourable comment from retailers, wholesalers, and consumers throughout the country. Not only has this enabled buyers to purchase their requirements with 1 confidence, but it has also given that measure of protection to the consumer which is so essential to maintain, his goodwill.” 1