'Chipocalypse' now as New Zealanders face up to a crisp crisis

'Chipocalypse' now as New Zealanders face up to a crisp crisis
By Euronews
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A winter of unprecedented rainfall has devastated the country's potato crop

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Crisp lovers in New Zealand are bracing themselves for a snack shortage labelled the ‘chipocalypse’ as a year of heavy rain takes its toll on the country’s potato crop.

Persistent downpours in the region have led to the nation declaring its third-wettest year on record, and left vast swathes of the staple food submerged in waterlogged fields.

Estimates suggest around 20% of New Zealand’s annual potato crop has been wiped out, with the varieties farmed for crisping taking the biggest hit.

The shortage has already resulted in a year-on-year price increase of 30% for a kilogram bag of potatoes and now appears to be hitting the supply of crisps to supermarkets and retailers.

Attention: ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/tBRKFRmyGq

— Angela Meyer (@ange_meyer) October 14, 2017

The issue has received widespread media coverage in the country. > Greatest viz wall ever MelissaDaviesNZ</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/NewshubNZ?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">NewshubNZ#chipocalypsepic.twitter.com/VV465V7JIU

— Kim Choe (@kimchoe) October 15, 2017

And some New Zealanders are managing to see a silver lining to the cloud cast by ‘chipocalypse’. > If it takes a #chipocalypse to make NZers serious about climate change, then so be it

— claudia (@claudiajardine) October 15, 2017

For others, the alternatives are too terrifying to contemplate. > Re: NZ #chipocalypse. Yes, there’s a potato shortage. But before anyone suggests them, kale chips are an abomination.

— Lachlan Forsyth (@LachlanForsyth) October 15, 2017

Next year’s potato crop is also set to be affected as the ground at present remains too wet for planting.

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