By Joanie Bergh
The warning, headed “Potato shortage”, is signed by Mohammed Adam of M&R Marketing in Epping, Cape Town.
In it, he says a shortage is imminent due to a severe black frost that affected Limpopo farmers for six consecutive days.
“They haven’t seen this kind of frost in 20 years! The frost destroyed their potatoes. With a shortage of supply usually comes price increases and quality issues,” says Adam, adding that the shortage will worsen in September.
“We are aware that potatoes in all forms are a significant ingredient in all kitchens, and we hope the warning will help with menu planning and understanding during this time.”
‘Get the facts right’
Willie Jacobs, CEO of Potatoes SA, said it is “extremely irresponsible” to send out such a warning prematurely.
He told Landbou.com, sister site of African Farming, that the organisation is aware of the frost damage and is trying to manage the situation to avoid confusing consumers.
“There is no indication yet of what the extent of the damage will be. We will only have a reasonable indication within the next two to three weeks,” said Jacobs.
He said there is enough potato stock in the market. “We cannot afford to sow panic at this stage about the available volumes if there are likely to be sufficient potatoes.
“The last thing consumers and the market need is a drastic price increase followed by a significant drop afterwards. This will damage the integrity of potatoes as a food item on the consumer shelf.”
Jacobs warned people without the correct information not to spread alarm.
