2 AUGUST 1930, Page 14

Now, at several agricultural shows of late, the Ministry of

Agriculture have shown samples of tinned British fruits; the latest goods to be sold under the National Mark. I have been at some pains to investigate this more or less new industry. First the product (which must be passed by the Ministry before canning) is altogether delicious, as good, it seemed to my palate, as fresh fruit. The bigger canning establishments multiply—there are now, I believe, nearly two score—and the shops stock the fruit and begin to find a healthy public demand. We may hope that the domestic caterer everywhere will realize his opportunities of buying such food under the National Mark at a moderate price. I notice, since sampling these products, that Mr. Seabrook sees in the new industry permanent and important gain to the fruit-grower. Ile should be assured against the slump and waste following a bumper crop. It is a point worth notice that only the freshest fruit can be canned, and therefore, imported fruit is not available in most sorts of soft fruit.