Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
South Africans can look forward to a stable, affordable supply of potatoes over the festive season. After a year of tumultuous weather that resulted in supply constraints and high prices during certain periods, Potatoes SA has assured consumers that their festive menus need not hold back on potatoes.
In 2024, potatoes reached record high prices as black frost in Limpopo and drought in the Free State curtailed harvests towards the end of winter. Although supply decreased marginally, and only for a short period, panic over a shortage kept prices high. The subdued effect of the adverse weather on potato supply was due to unique dynamics within South Africa’s industry.
“Unlike most of the world, where there is only one potato season per year and any weather mishap during that time has devastating consequences, South African production is ongoing,” explained Willie Jacobs, CEO of Potatoes SA. “Production is spread across 16 regions, ensuring a constant flow of potatoes year-round. If there is a supply disruption in one area, it is likely that supply from another region will fill the gap.”
Consumer need not worry
Potatoes SA has therefore cautioned consumers not to be concerned over supply in December as a result of heatwaves potato producers faced in spring.
Jacobs said that it was important for consumers to keep supply dynamics in mind when news of adverse weather or supply disruptions made headlines. “The industry puts a lot of work into keeping supply and prices stable throughout the year through continuous communication between stakeholders. But when panic takes hold, prices become inflated and that hurts everyone – consumers and farmers alike. It disrupts trade, and prices inevitably then swing back to extreme lows a few weeks later since high prices slow down uptake. It’s therefore important for buyers to realise what an immense treasure we have in the potato supply dynamic in South Africa.”
Optimised communication channels were another reason why adverse weather often has a limited effect on supply since reduced volumes could be anticipated before harvest, and national supply optimised to supplement markets where volumes were low. “Our industry is organised in such a way that information about the volumes of potatoes planted, harvested, delivered and sold is freely available on the Potatoes SA app. Industry role players and consumers alike therefore have access to critical information that should prevent panic pricing and buying.”
While tension is running high in South Africa regarding food prices in 2025 due to the large parts of South Africa that are desperately awaiting rain to ensure a good maize harvest, potato farmers mostly rely on irrigation to grow their crops, and production has not been interrupted.
“As South Africa celebrates the festive season, they can rest assured that potato farmers are working their fields, getting the crop ready for the new year. Consumers can therefore enjoy their favourite potato dishes in abundance, at prices they can afford,” said Jacobs.
Get to know your favourite staple:
- South Africa plants on average 52 261 hectares of potatoes, supplying 250 million 10 kg bags of potatoes annually. This means there is enough potatoes to supply each South African with three potatoes per week.
- Potatoes is a sustainable crop and the least thirsty of all staple foods, coming in with a water footprint of 34 litres for a 113 gram serving, compared to 182 litres for the same serving of bread or 144 litres for maize meal.
- Around two million 10 kg bags are delivered to the fresh produce markets weekly.
- Supply traditionally dips between April and August. During this period up to 80% of South Africa’s potatoes are obtained from Limpopo and any production issues in this region, during this period has an effect on supply and therefore, price. – Potatoes SA
