Climate Blamed For Low Chip Crop Yields

Unusual climatic conditions have been blamed for a lower than expected yield of process potatoes used to make potato chips in New Zealand.

New Zealand chip maker Mr. Chips blamed the weather and low yields for a disappointing first half profit that was up only 2 percent at NZ$742,107.

All the major North Island growing regions experienced yield short falls because of a storm event. The shortfall was compounded by the costs of obtaining product out of the supply area.

Mr. Chips said recovery from the current tight stock situation was highly dependent on the weather and early season crop yields, making a full year forecast problematic.