TNAG-0050-FCO40-86-Disturbances-essential-food-supplies-1968 — Page 20

1

0003230,

G.F. 323

CONFIDENTIAL

11.

Frozen Foods

45.

follows :-

Frozen Meat Sources of frozen meat during 1967 were as

Average monthly

consumption

Pork

China 92%; Denmark 7%

1,521 tons

Beef

China 25%; East Africa 23%; New Zealand 21%; Australia 17%

205 tons

Mutton

China 27%; New Zealand 44%; Australia 18%

112 tons

Offals China 83%; U.S.A. 13%; Denmark 2%

942 tons

2,780 tons

Increased supplies could undoubtedly be obtained but only at prices well beyond the reach of the bulk of the population. Frozen meat from China is primarily bought by the cheaper restaurants while the frozen meat from overseas generally serves a much more sophisticated and affluent market.

46.

Although frozen meat (including beef, veal, pork, mutton and offals) has been a reserved commodity for some years, Government has only just started to excrcise some real control over imports and exports and made importers maintain stocks. The stock on 31st December, 1967 was 2,985 long tons which represents a little more than 33 days of normal consumption, i.e. that rate of consumption when good supplies of fresh meat are available. This stock is dependent on main electricity supplies and would start to deteriorate about three days after any break in such supplies.

47.

Frozen poultry was made a reserved commodity in September 1967 so that the import and stockholding pattern could be studied in some detail. Statistics so far indicate that the monthly consumption of frozen poultry is about 3 million pounds, made up of 40% whole chickens, 50% chicken parts and the remainder made up of ducks and other poultry. U.S.., China and Denmark were the principal sources during 1967 in that order. However there is evidence that China is out to dominate this market by undercutting the rival suppliers.

43.

Other Frozen Foods are all in the luxury class and need not be considered in this context.

Dry Foods

49.

Tinned Meat Commercial stocks of tinned meat and fish on 31st December amounted to 460 tons, of which 258 tons were held by major wholesalers/retailers. A recent survey indicated that sales average approximately 155 tons a month. It is evident that more tinned food from China is being eaten by Chinese because it is designed for their diet, but there is still a preference for fresh food. However, in times of temporary shortage the demand for tinned food increases and there is now no absolute prejudice against it. Most European tinned foods would be eaten by Chinese only in the absence of anything more acceptable.

CONFIDENTIAL