Potatoes SA says it is “urgently investigating” how South Africa could increase its production of potato chips – or French fries – as a win-win solution to local farmers’ surpluses and the local market’s high demand for chips.
This, as local businesses have raised concerns about the supply of potatoes and French fries in the past few weeks. The supply of potato chips from Europe is strained not only because of record temperatures and drought, but also because of high import tariffs that have irked some local importers.
Potatoes South Africa, the national body that represents the potato industry, has confirmed that local potato farmers are producing a surplus of fresh potatoes for the market’s needs, but not necessarily processed potatoes.
“A distinction must be drawn between fresh potatoes and processed products such as French fries, as South African potato farmers are currently producing a surfeit of fresh, raw potatoes,” says Potatoes SA chief executive officer Willie Jacobs.
“One of the major issues facing farmers, however, has been finding suitable opportunities for storing and processing these potatoes to manage price volatility and profitability, and prevent waste.
“In the wake of European shortages, higher demand for locally manufactured frozen French fries therefore represents a highly attractive, mutually beneficial solution for the industry and for the country.”
Local should be lekker
According to official numbers by Potatoes SA, Mzansi has produced 2.6 million tonnes of potatoes per year between 2017 and 2021. Jacobs believes that some 12 000 tonnes of fresh potatoes are available at fresh produce markets around the country every day.
Jacobs adds that the association is urgently investigating opportunities to invest in expanding local production facilities to meet the high demand for French fries while supporting local potato farmers.
“South Africa is unique in that, unlike many countries, our seasons and climate means that we have the ability to produce potatoes the entire year, ensuring steady supply.
“That said, we have also met with various businesses to discuss their needs for items such as French fries, and have noted concerns regarding gaps in supply chains for processed products.
“Moving forward, we firmly believe that through using private-public partnerships to invest in expanding production capacity, the potato industry will be able to create further value for the South African market, while driving sustainable socio-economic development.”
ALSO READ: ICYMI: Can SA really produce enough chips?
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