Grocery Review

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 314, 27 March 1928, Page 12

Grocery Review

The Sun Office, March 27, 1928. The general improvement in trade has continued throughout the past week, merchants reporting some heavy business from both town and country districts for next month’s account. A N endeavour to reduce stocks of lines which are not selling too freely is always made during March, and this month has been no exception to this rule, as some very attractive offers have been made to the retail, resulting in the storekeepers, in many instances, taking full advantage of these “snips.” Among the arrivals from overseas last week was a shipment of dried peaches from South Africa, and as these were in short supply they are meeting with a good demand. This week will see the end of a rather strenuous month, as far as traders are concerned, and with the balances over, merchants are looking forward to an all-round increase in turnover. TOMATO SAUCE One of the best-known packers of Tomato Sauce advises a reduction this week in quart bottles of 3s per dozen. ALMONDS Prices for Sicily almonds have declined a further £3 a ton since last week, while some shippers are offering new season’s Jordan almonds at reduction of £lO a ton on the opening rates, but confirmation of orders at this figure has not yet been received. NUTS Although a reduction is now notified in Brazil nuts for forward shipment, quotations are still above the opening rates at which most of the business was booked. Shipments are not expected until about May, and meantime the local market is quite bare. Brazil kernels have been reduced one penny a lb since the season opened, and at the ruling rates are considered to be good buying, as cable advice just received from London states that an increase is probable. Peanuts show a firm market with only limited quantitites offering, while Barcelona nuts and walnuts continue to rule firm with higher prices aliticipated. TEA At the auction sales in Colombo last week, the quality was still showing improvement, and there was a strong demand for good teas, which were from Id to lid a lb above the rates ruling the previous week. There was only a fair demand for- common and medium qualities and prices were slightly easier for these grades. PEPPER After steadily advancing for the past three months, fractional reductions are notified in both white and black peppers, but buyers are still holding off until just prior to the sailing of the direct steamer which is due to leave Singapore on April 16. SPICES Nutmegs and mace continue to weaken in price, but it is not anticipated that quotations will be greatly reduced. Cloves are in very short supply on the local market, the demand this season having been exceptionally heavy, and further shipments are anxiously awaited. PINEAPPLES Further small advances are notified this week, although one or two agents are still prepared to book at the lower rates on offer during this month. No definite advice on the actual position will be available until next month, when the bulk of the season’s pineapple crop will be available.. OIL OF LEMON Prices are slightly easier than has been the case since the New Year and advices from Messina are more or less vague; however, in view of the apparent shortage of citron in the present crop of lemons, to-day’s figures should be good buying. TAPIOCAS An advance of 5s a ton in both seed and pearl tapioca was asked by Singapore shippers last week and a fair amount of business was cabled and accepted at the advance. Demand is always' heavy at this period of the year, and no doubt further attention will be given to these lines before the April steamer sails. ACIDS Tartaric still remains firm at latest rates, but although citric has advanced considerably during the last few weeks, quotations are now slightly easier for Italian and some brands of English. Local stocks are still light with the demand somewhat easier, and with the winter approaching there is little likelihood of further shortage. LIMA BEANS The shortage of fresh vegetables has increased the inquiry for Madagascar lima beans, which are in short supply at present. Supplies of new season’s crop have not yet arrived from London, but are expected shortly. The market is now about £3 a ton lower than opening rates, and considerable business has been booked at the lower figure, for prompt shipment from London. DRIED FRUITS Agents advise that the business booked in Mildura sultanas and currants has been rather disappointing so far, although it is stated that Southern merchants have operated much more freely. It is unlikely that there will be any change in prices for some time, although it is reported that there is a genuine shortage in the crops. Cables were received from one of the largest San Francisco packers last week offering bleached and unbleached sultanas and raisins at still further reduced prices, and considerable business has been placed by local merchants. Seeded raisins were also offered at greatly reduced prices, and buyers have taken the opportunity of covering for further supplies at these favourable rates.