The news that hot chip prices are about to skyrocket has sent shockwaves through pubs across Australia. As a result, the portion size of everyone’s favourite pub classic could soon become smaller.
The potato shortage, which has been caused by a combination of wet weather and a lack of imports, is having a major impact on the cost of potatoes. This, in turn, is making it difficult for restaurants and pubs to keep up with the demand for hot chips.
As the summer months approach, Australians will be looking forward to classic pub favourites like hot chips as a way to stay cool and enjoy a meal together. But a nationwide potato shortage means that ordering hot chips at your local watering hole might soon come with a few caveats.
David Canny, the national president of the Australian Hospitality Association (AHA), stated that pub owners will have to choose between raising prices or finding an alternative to the traditional chip.
“The list of pub classics with a side of potato is seemingly endless, from steak and chips to bangers and mash, burger and chips, parma (or parmie) and chips, potato cakes, and fish and chips,” he informed The Daily Telegraph.
“Pubs already dealing with additional costs such as electricity, beer taxes, beverages for sale, transportation, and personnel are now feeling the burden of the rising potato prices.”
The recent wet weather has caused problems for potato farmers across Australia. The wet weather has led to a low yield of potatoes, which means there is less produce to go around.
In addition, the wet weather has caused the price of potatoes to increase, which could be passed on to the customer in the form of smaller hot chips portions.
This could be bad news for fans of hot chips, as many outlets could be forced to reduce the size of their portions due to the increase in potato prices.
The higher potato prices could also mean that cheaper options such as frozen chips may become more popular, as these are more cost effective to produce.
Over the last four months, Australian supply chains have experienced chaos due to a convergence of natural disasters, international pressures, and transport issues, leading many food suppliers to raise prices.
Venues are being cautioned to begin incorporating alternate vegetables into meals instead of the usual chip, as Christmas draws nearer, according to Mr. Canny.
