Tasmanian supermarkets are once again fully stocked with frozen chips, bringing an end to a potato shortage that left chip bowls empty across the country between Christmas last year and just a few weeks ago.
The local spud harvest is being fed through production plants owned by Simplot and McCain, refilling the freezers at supermarkets and takeaway shops.
Around 95% complete, the harvest is expected to produce 270,000 tonnes of potatoes for processing, which is expected to alleviate the shortage.
However, growers are currently negotiating potato prices, meaning consumers may have to pay a little more to get their hands on potatoes.
Last year’s potato shortage was caused by flooding and heavy rain in the main growing regions of Tasmania, Victoria and South Australia, with the October and November planting season also described as the ‘worst ever seen’.
A workforce of backpackers, Pacific Island workers and locals are currently harvesting the potatoes.
