Grocery Review

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 692, 18 June 1929, Page 10

Grocery Review

Sun Office, June 18, 1929. The wholesale grocery houses report that trade generally has been rather quiet during the past week, but orders for next month’s account are now coming to hand and an improvement is expected during the remainder of this week. A WELL-KNOWN local firm of manufacturers has advised the trade that it is now packing tomato sauce in soz fancy bottles—also that passion fruit is being packed in a similar manner, and the handy-sized packages are expected to meet with a ready sale. There is a growing shortage again of several lines of foodstuffs from Melbourne, particularly certain grades of Australian currants and sultanas and of sliced peaches in tins. As the next direct steamer (s.s. Kurovv) Is not scheduled to leave Melbourne until the 25th inst., and calls at all Southern ports en route, it will be approximately the middle of July before replacements of these lines can be made. Certain brands of English safety matches are running short again locally, and merchants are anxiously awaiting advice of their next shipments, which will probably arrive from London about the end of this month. The opening quotations for Californian figs, muscatels, and other dried fruits, also for new season’s canned salmon, are awaited with considerable interest by both wholesale and retail traders, as these are expected to be on a fairly high ievel this year. CHERRIES

The lower prices on offer for new season's French drained cherries for shipment in September and later months were not available for any length of time, and although some business has been accepted at the lower rates, latest cables from London shippers advise that prices are withdrawn temporarily. It would appear that a fair number of orders has been received from various sources, and when definite offers are again to hand, higher prices are bound to rule. Some lower offers have been made for new season’s French crystallised cherries for October-November shipment, but as these would not arrive here in time for the Christmas trade, most interest in new crop offers is being shown, in the first available supplies due to be shipped in September. CINNAMON

Latest cables from Colombo offer Maradana cinnamon chips for prompt shipment at a reduction of 2s a cwt on the former rates quoted. This brings the price down to a slightly better level than the average ruling rates for this commodity. SARDINES

All agents now advise receipt of cabled information from their principals stating that the prices of Norwegian smoked sild have been raised 5 per cent, by all packers. This has followed the activities of the recent amalgamation of interests bearing on this industry in Norway. Shippers are now prepared to guarantee present rates against a falling in price up to time of shipment. Although only limited quantities of Portuguese sardines are imported to this market, it is interesting to note that quotations for one of the best known brands are about 6d a dozen above previous offers, with supplies of the present season’s catch now being very short. CURRANTS

The market for new season’s Greek currants is reported to be very firm, on account of severe weather in the producing aieas having damaged the blossoms. Both Amalia and Patras grades are quoted at slightly higher prices than Australian qualities, but as supplies of the new Greek fruit usually arrive at a time when stocks of the Australian article are almost exhausted, considerable business has been booked for shipment by the September steamer. OIL OF LEMON

After a slight easing in price the market for oil of lemon has now firmed considerably, any weak holders of stocks in Messina having taken as much business as they are willing to, in order to adjust finances. Most local buyers took advantage of the lower rates which have ruled, and covered for at least a portion of their forward requirements. There is room for a substantial drop in prices of oil of lemon, as today's rates are much above normal, but at the present time the demand appears to be greatly in excess of the supplies available for export. EASTERN GOODS

Little change is advised this week in the majority of foodstuff lines from the East, including tapiocas, pineapples and spices. Quotations for Singapore pepper have eased slightly, but the quotations are still far above buyers' ideas, and it is not expected that much interest will new be shown until the new crop offers are available, probably in a few weeks’ time. FRUITS

Merchants are awaiting the opening quotations for all California dried fruits with considerable interest this year, owing to the uncertainty of the position regarding the damage to the crops by severe frosts. The information to hand so far has been rather vague, and the various detailed reports somewhat conflicting. It seems quite certain, however, that prices must be considerably higher than last season's opening prices, which, it must be remembered, were later considerably reduced owing to the prolific crops which are harvested. As far as raisins are concerned, the prices ruling before the frosts were reported were over 20 per cent, below opening rates, and these again were about 20 per cent, below the previous year's quotations. It will thus be seen that with the prospect of a short crop this vear fiiuch higher prices are bound to rule, and those merchants who have stocks of present season’s raisins and also undelivered contracts still to be completed, will be in a position to still supply the trade at favourable rates. Prunes are also expected to be offering at increased prices this year, and muscatels will also be affected to some extent. As far as Californian figs are concerned, it is stated that quotations for the new crop are already to hand, but as these have not yet been circulated to the trade, no comparison can be made with last year's prices meantime. KAPOK

Early indications of the coming new crop are to hand this week by cable, prime Samarang quality being offered without engagement for shipment commencing in October at a reduction of Id a lb on the ruling rate for present season's for prompt shipment. In comparison with the position of about this time last year, the market for new crop kapdk is on a slightly lower basis. Holders of stocks in Samarang, however, appear to be in a very strong financial position, as it has been found impossible to obtain acceptance of business sent up at lower rates than those originallv quoted. 81. U ESTON E Quotations for blue-stone continue to fluctuate, cables from London last week notifying an advance of 12s 6d a ton for prompt delivery. AUSTRALIAN STOCKS (Australian and N.Z. Press Association) Reed. 9.30 a.m. NEW YORK, Monday. Commonwealth, 5 per cent., 1955, £95; 1957, £94 15s; 4J per cent., £S6 7s 6d. New South Wales, 5 per cent., 1957, no sales; 1955, £9l 10s. Queensland, 6 per cent., £lO2 10s; 7 per cent., no sale. RANGITIKI’S APPLES (Australian and N.Z. Press Association) Reed. 11 a.m. LONDON, Monday. Among the Rangitiki’s New Zealand apples. Sturmers, and Doughertys brought from 16s to ISs.