Australian floods cut into potato supply of French fry manufactures

Australian French Fries (or should we say hot chips?) could be in short supply this year after floods devastated potato-growing regions in four states.

According to early estimates, the floods destroyed up to 77,000 tonnes of potatoes valued at about $19 million.

About 30 per cent of potatoes destined for the frozen chip market from Gippsland, Ballarat, Penola in South Australia, northern Tasmania and the NSW Riverina are feared lost.

Gippsland has been particularly hard hit with some growers reporting losses of up to 80 per cent.

Victorian french fries manufacturer Harvest Choice estimated up to 50 per cent of its contracted potatoes were wiped out. The company still hopes to buy Australian produce.