South Africa: Power cuts and farm costs have pushed up potato prices

By Nomalanga Tshuma CONSUMERS who are thinking of the traditional potato salad or baked potatoes drizzled with chicken juice on Christmas Day must think again as the price of their favorite spud has gone through the roof. Currently, a 7kg bag of potatoes costs between R110 and R120, while a 10kg bag costs about R189.99 at grocery stores like Checkers, OK and Food Lovers Market. The Western Cape Department of Agriculture said South African potato prices emerged by more than double over the year, increasing by 102% in October 2023, exceeding the 2022 mid-October potato average prices and setting a new high staple for the vegetable. The department said in week 38 of 2023, potato prices averaged R10,704 per ton, an increase of 21% week-on-week, driven by a decline of 27% week-on-week to 13 291 tons. Western Cape Department of Agriculture spokesperson Ayabonga Sibulali said the industry's price surge was driven by increased power cuts and an increase in farm input costs. “The domestic ...