Demand for potatoes spikes as shoppers look for fresh produce with longevity

The humble spud is now hot property, with the vegetable’s long shelf life putting it at the top of shopping lists.

Rolling out: Robert Cerchiaro in his potato packing shed in Nar Nar Goon. Picture: Zoe Phillips

SHOPPERS have turned to the potato in droves to feed their families, clearing out supermarket shelves in a coronavirus-induced frenzy.

The once humble spud has witnessed a spike in sales since the Federal Government warned of lockdowns to stop the spread of the virus.

Third-generation grower Robert Cerchiaro, of Red Gem Growers and Packers at Nar Nar Goon, said demand for his potatoes over the past fortnight was unprecedented.

His family business, jointly owned with his father Guido, supplies Coles stores nationally with Crème Royale brushed potatoes, as well as other varieties to Harries Farms and Aldi.

“We’ve never experienced demand like this, not even over Christmas or Easter,” Mr Cerchiaro said.

“There was concern in Gippsland that it was going to be an ordinary season with a lack of demand, but that’s certainly been reversed. Now it’s a matter of planning to stretch supply into winter.”

Red Gem produces about 20,000 tonnes of potatoes grown across farms at Gembrook, Mirboo North, Warrnambool and Hillston in NSW.

Fortunately the growing season has been kind, which would typically lead to an oversupply and poor returns.

Thorpdale potato agent Anthony Pisa said while demand had since slowed, there was a week where he couldn’t keep pace with wholesale orders.

“No matter how many spuds I had, I needed triple that amount to keep up. We couldn’t get enough,” he said.

Fresh market chief executive James Kellaway said potatoes had been the hottest fresh commodity at the wholesale markets.

“There was a period last week in the Sydney market where it was hard to find a potato,” Mr Kellaway said.

AusVeg chief executive James Whiteside said the supply pressure on fresh potatoes was due to lower summer production in southern NSW and South Australia amid water shortages.