Due to an extremely wet autumn and a difficult spring, there is a threat of a potato and potato shortage in New Zealand. Will the rescue come in time?
New Zealand media reports of supermarkets placing signs in their stores. This shows that there are problems with the supply of chips. The shortage could persist until the new year. Foodstuffs NZ, the parent company behind three supermarket chains on the island, confirms that there are problems. The wet autumn caused harvest problems. Planting also did not go without problems.
Also a shortage of table potatoes
Foodstuffs NZ hopes that the problem will be resolved quickly. The first new potatoes will be harvested in a few weeks. This waters down the news somewhat.
In addition to chips, there are also problems with the availability of table potatoes. The shortage does not yet apply to chip potatoes.
Chips industry is based on 1 breed
Chris Claridge, chairman of potato organization Potatoes New Zealand, confirms the shortage. "About 15% of all potatoes in the country are intended for the production of chips. From January or February, the factories will receive a new shipment of potato chips. Until then, the supply will remain difficult. One variety specifically is grown for chips, from the north to extreme south of the island. This means that in principle we can deliver all year round."
Shortage remains
Planting operations are currently 20% behind the national average, Claridge believes. "Some chip brands have sufficient raw materials. Others have a shortage. How many chip potatoes are available in the period up to and including Christmas depends on consumption."
Damage runs into the millions
Brent Wilcox, the chairman of the Pukekohe growers' association, also confirmed the shortage. "The problem is twofold. The winter has been long and wet, which has damaged the crops to be harvested. The planting of the new potatoes has also been delayed due to the wetness. There will probably remain a shortage in the coming months. During the last Within 6 months, the damage caused by flooding runs into millions of dollars for growers."
Chips as a popular snack
This is not the first time in New Zealand problems has with availability of chips. There was also a shortage in 2014 due to wet weather. $157 million is spent on chips in the country every year. Over $30 per person per year.
In addition, chips worth $16 million are exported by the Kiwis. Good for a fifth of the total New Zealand potato exports. This includes a turnover of $814 million, equivalent to almost €500 million.