CASEIN MARKET

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 241, 10 September 1929, Page 7

CASEIN MARKET

EXPORTS FROM DOMINION. EXTENSION OF OPERATIONS. GREENSTONE MADE IN GERMANY. Casein exported from New Zealand has created a favourable reputation by its quality, according to the comment made to a “Standard” representative to-day by Mr H. E. Pacey, alter Ins return from an eight months torn abroad. Mr Pacey, during his absence abroad, inquired into many phases of the dairy industry. Speaking of the uses for which casein was adopted, ho mentioned that one was the manufacture of an imitation New Zealand greenstone. “New Zealand casein is known on all the principal markets of tho world,” stated Mr Pacey. “It is well respected and invariably commands a price at least equal to the best, while for certain purposes it commands a premium. One of these is the manufacture of synthetic cheese, for which it is peculiarly fitted by reason of the care exercised in New Zealand to eliminate some features which are considered highly objectionable. The, content of iron, even in minute quantities, is one of these, and that is practically absent in New Zealand casein. “The output of casein in New Zealand is, however, relatively small and but for the reputation it has made by its quality, it would not be known abroad. The principal sources of supply of casein are the Argentine, France, the United States and Australia. Equivalent to about 5 per cent, of the world’s output, New Zealand exports about 3000 tons a year, and it ail finds a ready market. More could safely bo produced without overdoing the supply which can be absorbed. PRINCIPAL USES. “The principal purposes for which lactic casein is used, are the glazing of art paper, tho production of fclie adhesive material for the manufacture of tfiree-piy wood, for general veneer work, tlie makiug of synthetic cheese as mentioned, and other subsidiary processes. Rennet casein is principally used for the manufacture of imitation of ivory, tortoiseshell and other similar substances which in turn are used for a wide variety of purposes, including billiard bails, piano keys, umbrella handles, toilet ware and the like. Indeed, a good deal of what is termed ‘New Zealand greenstone’ is manufactured in Germany from casein produced by , New Zealand cows, the plastic nature of casein making it adaptable for many uses. “Inquiring into methods of casein manufacture, I visited factories -in France and the United States, where I found that the systems followed were similar to those of our own. Usually, our work is much more thoroughly done, but there are one or two features being applied in other countries which are worthy of trial in New Zealand, and experiments in connection with their adoption in this Dominion will be carried out. They are improvements in routine methods. In a general sense, our system compares favourably. EXTENSION OF MARKETS.

“Having interviewed some of the large users of casein,” added Mr Pacey, “and made myself acquainted with the nature of their requirements, I hope to be able to extend our marketing operations as a result. The influences On the casein market are different from those affecting butter and cheese. About five years’ago there were considerable fluctuations, but recently the conditions have become stabilised, and I am of the opinion that that will continue by reason of the larger uses to which casein is being put and the consequent increase in the demand.”