Potato chip shortage: supply problems leave potato chip shelves empty

The grocery store potato chip aisle seems a bit tight as the supplier of some of the country’s most popular snacks faces stock issues.

Customers across the country, including Auckland and Wellington, had noticed some of their favorite potato chip packages, such as ETA, which makes Uppercuts, Cheese Balls, Munchos and Ripples.

But a Countdown spokesperson said there is no general shortage of potato chips, just delays in getting stock from ETA’s supplier, Kettle, and its own brand-name products.

“There are still many other chip brands for our customers to choose from.”

Countdown expects stock levels to resume to normal levels in the coming weeks.

Foodstuffs, which owns New World and Pak n ‘Save, did not respond to questions about whether it was facing a similar stock shortage, instead referring suppliers to the Herald.

ETA, which is owned by Griffins, said New Zealand’s popular Eta chips and Kettle Chip Company are experiencing a shortage of stock due to the installation of new, state-of-the-art equipment at their Manukau site.

“This equipment represents a significant investment in New Zealand manufacturing and will create even higher quality chips once it is operating at full capacity.

“Stock levels are expected to improve in the coming weeks, so kiwis can continue to enjoy all of their favorite chips from Eta and Kettle Chip Company.”

Potatoes NZ spokeswoman Gemma Carroll said there were plenty of potatoes available.

“The New Zealand potato industry is having a good season in all growing regions and potato yields are good. There is no shortage of supply from our New Zealand growers or processors that we know of.”