Thursday, 12 August 2021 09:25

NZ potato industry continues growth despite 2020 challenges

Written by  Staff Reporters
Potatoes NZ chief executive Chris Claridge. Potatoes NZ chief executive Chris Claridge.

The New Zealand potato Industry remains a billion dollar plus industry, despite the challenges brought about in 2020.

The total value of the NZ potato industry now sits at $1.16 billion, a 58% growth rate since targets were set in 2013.

Potatoes New Zealand chief executive Chris Claridge says the result shows the immense value of the processing sector.

“55% of our locally grown potatoes produce fries and another 12% produce crisps. A strong domestic market for NZ processed potatoes underpins our industry and maintains our growers’ resilience,” Claridge says.

He says the findings from the report into European dumping released by the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) in May 2021 are disappointing for growers and the Potatoes NZ board.

MBIE found the confirmed dumping of imported potato fries into the New Zealand market were not of material threat to the local industry, which Claridge says signals to New Zealand importers and European exporters that the New Zealand government is leaving the gate open.

“The obvious risk here is a real material threat to our domestic potato processing market and our growers,” he says.

More like this

Peter Reynolds Awarded Horticulture NZ's Bledisloe Cup

Potatoes New Zealand has congratulated Peter Reynolds of TA Reynolds Ltd in Pukekohe on being awarded the Horticulture New Zealand Bledisloe Cup, recognising a lifetime of service and contribution to New Zealand horticulture.

Featured

Tatua Chair Stephen Allen Retires After 30 Years of Service

Tatua Co-operative Dairy Company has confirmed that chair and director Stephen Allen will retire at the co-operative's annual general meeting (AGM) on 3 December 2026, ending 30 years of service, including more than 20 years as Chair.

National

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

'LinkedIn Greens'

OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…

UK Warning

OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter