‘Slap chips’, a South African favourite, may quickly become a luxury and sought-after meal in the coming months after black frost decimated potato crops in Limpopo in July. In response, the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) urgently needs to implement a temporary import tariff rebate to avert shortages and painful price hikes. Demand for chips Hume International Managing Director Fred Hume said import volumes already showed a sudden uptick in demand for frozen French fries in August, reaching over 1,317 tonnes from zero tonnes in July – a record high for the year, and more than four times the previous peak of 312 tonnes seen in January.
“So, although the August 2024 figures are comparable to the 1,357 tonnes imported in August 2023, the numbers are concerning given that several months this year have recorded far lower or zero imports,” Hume said, adding that the potato price trends are also alarming. The Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group’s Household Affordability Index revealed a sharp spike of 11% in the price of 10kg of potatoes between August and September. ALSO READ: Agriculture dept assessing severity of drought on SA crop yield Impact and price deterioration As the full impact of the black frost disaster is yet to be felt, Hume said the price may increase even further over the upcoming festive season and the impact on fries could be extreme making it a luxury.
“Considering that it requires at least 2kgs of potatoes to p.