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 #chipocalypse pic.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.