16 Oct 2017

Crisp crisis: Chip supplies cut as weather hits potato crops

From Morning Report, 7:53 am on 16 October 2017

Potato chip fans should savour every mouthful as a wet winter has caused a nationwide shortage of crisping potatoes. Ceaseless rain this winter means farmers haven't been able to harvest or plant new crops, and supply is 20 percent less than it should be.

Supermarket owner Foodstuffs says some of their chip suppliers are having challenges meeting demand, with at least one supermarket warning customers they may have trouble stocking them. Chief executive of Potatoes New Zealand Chris Claridge joins us to discuss the issue. He says the North Island is being most affected.