Over the weekend the mainstream media reacted with dismay at reports that there could be a shortage of UK potatoes this year, due to a combination of poor growing conditions and high demand from Europe affecting processed products such as chips in particular.
However, the basis of the reports was a report from a catering supplier, which advised pubs and restaurants to ‘‘order early or plan alternatives’ to the traditional turkey roast dinner,’ according to the Daily Mail.
Rachel Dobson, managing director at catering and hospitality buying firm Lynx Purchasing said, “The recent floods in Europe have affected potato growers and processors in the region, with varieties grown for frozen chips particularly affected – meaning that UK pubs and restaurants serving popular dishes like fish and chips could find their usual supplier isn’t able to deliver.”
At the same time, a report by the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) this week said Europe’s potato crops have been badly affected, with farmers expecting a smaller and lower quality yield. However, formal UK crop forecasts for this year are still awaited, although yields are likely to be down on average, it may be too early to talk about significant shortages yet.
Photo Caption: Lynx Purchasing says pubs and restaurants may run out of chips and roast potatoes for Christmas
