Chips, crisps and other potato products may be harder to get in Australia in the coming months. And when they are available, consumers should prepare for higher prices. Various sources from the processing industry warn news.com.au about this.
Tasmania is an important growing area in Australia. Due to persistent wet weather, the machines cannot enter the field and the planting of the potatoes is delayed, reports the trade association Ausveg. “In addition, growers in the region are facing significant increases in critical inputs such as fertiliser, energy, fuel, labor and chemicals, which increases production costs for growers,” Ausveg spokesperson Shaun Lindhe told news.com.au. "The difficult start to the season is an additional blow to growers who already have to work in a challenging and unpredictable environment. The increased production costs are cutting into the profitability of potato cultivation for farmers." Lindhe emphasizes that the higher prices that Australian consumers pay for fries and other potato products do not necessarily go directly to farmers.
Dutch export
According to Ausveg figures, imports of frozen potato products into Australia have shown a downward trend since the 2017/18 season. This changed in the 2021/22 season, with imports increasing by 12,06% compared to the previous season. The Netherlands was the most important foreign supplier of frozen potato products in Australia with 36.246 tonnes in 2021/2022. Belgian potatoes are also popular there. The Belgians exported 28.049 tons of fries and other potato products to Australia.