Unstable Potato Supply in Japan in February 2023

In Japan, the domestic potato supply has been unstable since February 2023. The two major production regions, Hokkaido and Kagoshima, are growing more slowly than they should be. The percentage of small size potatoes is rising while the overall supply is below average. Even more astonishingly, though, is that despite this circumstance, neither wholesale nor retail prices have increased. Instead, it is trading at a price below the average year. On March 1, 2023, the wholesale price was USD 1.15/kg, about 30% less than in 2022. Shipments from Kagoshima Prefecture are expected to start in mid-March 2023. There is, therefore, concern that the price will decrease much more.