Packeted butters were remarkably popular in Edinburgh, though
they were usually stocked in conjunction with a bulk type and their
sales were stated to be comparatively small. In Glasgow very few
shops were stocking packeted butters.
New Zealand butter was stocked by a larger proportion of shops
in Edinburgh than in Glasgow; in Edinburgh it was usually sold as a
second line to Danish, but in Glasgow it was more often the only
type stocked.
Irish butter, on the other hand, was more common in Glasgow than
in Edinburgh. In Glasgow nearly 10 per cent. of the shops were
selling Irish butter only.
Other butters found in Glasgow were Argentine (three shops); and
fscimalion. (one shop). In Edinburgh one shop was stocking Dutch
utter.
Prices.—The prices of Danish butter in the Glasgow multiple shops
showed an unusually wide range, all prices from 1s. 84. to 1s. 11d.
being fairly frequent. The Multiples in Edinburgh nearly all sold at
Ls. 84. or 1s. 94. in June and July, but in August 1s. 114. was a usual
price. In the independent shops, the average was distinctly lower
in Glasgow than in Edinburgh.
The prices of Irish butter in Glasgow were very varied. In the
few shops where it was selling at 1s. 114. or 2s. 04., Danish was also
stocked but at a lower price: where it was 1s. 104., and in most of the
shops where it was 1s. 94., it was the only butter stocked.
Farm butter was the most expensive type in Glasgow, but in
Edinburgh it was the cheapest.
VII.—-SUMMARY.
1. The object of the enquiry was to examine the position of Empire
butters in the retail shops of the main centres of population in the
United Kingdom and to estimate the extent and nature of the
“ompetition from butters of foreign origin.
In view of the seasonal variation in supply, the enquiry was
undertaken in two parts, the First Survey being carried out in the
late spring, and the Second Survey during the summer months. In
this way it has been possible to secure a double picture of retail market
conditions ; firstly, when supplies of New Zealand and Australian
butters are relatively plentiful, and secondly, when the butter export
season of the Irish Free State is at its height.