Grocery Review

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 331, 17 April 1928, Page 12

Grocery Review

The Sun Office, April 17, 1928. The wholesale merchants opened after the Easter holidays to a very busy period, and this continued all last week; but now that the accumulated orders have been dispatched, trade generally is much quieter. THE many vessels arriving from overseas have brought numerous shipments of all classes of foodstuffs, resulting in considerable deliveries being made from the wharf direct to the retailers. The Kaitangata brought the first shipment of the new crop of Australian currants and sultanas, which were anxiously awaited, while further supplies of the low-priced Australian canned fruits were also landed, and on account of the favourable prices on offer are meeting with a very strong demand from rtie retail trade. TAPIOCA

A further advance was notifiea for both sago and tapioca last week, but flake tapioca after a sharp decline of £4 10s a ton, has now advanced £3 10s, bringing the price back to almost the same level. Merchants were, however, able to cover for their requirements, while the lower rate ruled, and shipment will be made by the Sussex, which is due to leave Singapore this week. ACIDS

The market for both citric and tartaric acids is still very firm, and although no chajige in quotations is advised, cable •advice just received from London states that both these lines are likely to advance shortly. CLOTHES PEGS

• A slightly lower offer was «made some weeks ago for the April-May shipments, but it is understood that only a limited supply was available at the reduced price, and the market generally is unchanged. Further shipments from the usual shippers are due in about a month’s time, but fair storks are held locally as sales during the summer months have not been heavy. GINGER The indent price for Chinese preserved ginger remains on a fairly low level, but notwithstanding the heavy duty which it carries, there is a certain demand by the trade generally, particLilarly from manufacturing confectioners, who maintain that the quality is more suitable for their purposes. Considerable business has been booked by merchants this week for forward shipment from China YC’LY ALMONDS Prices for both old and new crop P.G. Sicily almonds are now slightly easier, and cable advice from London states that lower prices are expected The 1927 crop was abundant, and was estimated at about double that of the preceding year, and as stocks of almonds still in the shell in the hands of the producers are considerable, it would appear that the prediction ‘ of lower prices is fully justified. It is considered unlikely that the 1928 crop will reach the same high proportions as that of 1927, but even if the new crop is a small one, the stocks available at present will more than compensate for any shortage. GROUND ALMONDS Although prices have been fairly steady for all packings of ground almonds, one of the largest London shippers is now offering at reduced rates, consequently it would appear that they fully expect the market for whole almonds to fall considerably, as they are willing to book ior shipment up to September next at attractive rates. DRIED FRUITS

The larger sized prunes continue to rule firm, but the smaller sizes have been reduced by Is 6d a cwt this week, and latest information from San Francisco states that stocks generally are being steadily reduced. Dried peaches are reported to be almost sold out. while with the exception of a few extra choice Californian sliced apmes stocks are closely cleaned up. Raisins continue to command attention at the extremely low rates prevailing, with a fir market anticipated. OLIVE OIL

The crop in Italy is far from an abundant one, and the total can bo estimated at about half the normal crop, but the quality is stated to be good, the olives having remained free from the olive fly. The crops in Spain, hpwever, are reported to be very heavy, and this has had the effect of a slight reduction in the indent rates just received, which has resulted in some fairly heavy parcels being hooked by the local merchants. ESSENTIAL OILS

After advancing considerably for some time a reduction has set in, and quotations for both oil of lemon and oil of sweet orange have been considerably reduced, but it is stated that this reduction will not last long, as the production is really very short. There has been an extraordinarily strong demand for fresh lemons in Messina, and the export to various destinations has been very heavy, with the result that few lemons have been cut for the making of essential oil. HIGH COMMISSIONER’S REPORT Under date April 14, the High Commissioner for New Zealand cabled from London as follows: Apples.—The Hertford has arrived, but only a small quantity of the vessel’s shipment of apples is on the market yet. The condition so rar is good. The market is quiet. Prices are: Cox’s Orange, 17s to 20s a case; Dunn’s Favourite, 12s to 14s. The Huntingdon and Arawa are due on Monday. Wool.—The Bradford market is quiet and quotations for tops are unchanged. Hemp.—The Manila market is quiet but steady. There is continued demand for distant shipments, but sellers are reserved. Closing values of “J" grade are £3S to £3B 10s, according to position. The output from January 1 to March 31 was 348,000 bales, against 295,000 bales for the corresponding period last year. Stocks in Manila on March 31 were 144,000 bales, against 103,000 bales at the same time last year, and in Great Britain 10,000 bales, against 3,500 bales. The sisal market is unchanged. A few sales reported at last quotations. New Zealand: There is a little better inquiry for shipment, and moderate business has been done at last rates quoted. Nominal closing values are unchanged. Tallow.—No auctions this week; no change in market. Honey.—The market is quiet. Present quotations are: New Zealand, unchanged; Jamacian, 34s to 37s 6d per cwt; Californian, 45s to 545; Santo Domingan. 32s 6d to 455; Haitian. 32s to 45s 6d; Siberian, 28s to 47s 6d; Canadian, 4Ss to 545.