The Great Potato Shortage of 2023 

The humble potato has long been a dietary staple for people around the world. From creamy mashed potatoes to crispy French fries, potatoes serve as the foundation for an array of culinary possibilities. However, despite their versatility in the kitchen, numerous potato shortages have arisen throughout history, primarily due to adverse weather conditions, supply chain disruptions, and different types of pests and diseases. 

Unfortunately, history has repeated itself once more, presenting yet another potato food shortage for 2023, and most likely, throughout 2024 as well. Chefs and restaurateurs alike have been largely affected by these challenges, which have led to increased potato costs, limited menu options, and menu pricing adjustments. Chefs are also in a position where they must innovate and create new dishes that highlight other types of vegetables, which may or may not meet consumer expectations. 

Here’s the latest scoop on why this is happening and what chefs and home cooks can do to mitigate these challenges. 

A Brief History of the Shortage of Potatoes 

Potatoes were first cultivated over 7,000 years ago by indigenous communities, currently known as Peru and Bolivia. Spanish explorers eventually brought potatoes to Europe, which sparked the beginning of a culinary revolution, especially in Ireland. 

Potatoes provided much-needed sustenance to the rapidly growing population of Ireland, but only up until the mid-19th century when a type of disease known as late blight swept through the entirety of potato crops. This led to mass starvation, emigration, and death in the historical event known as the Irish Potato Famine. 

Massive potato shortages have also crept up throughout the Scottish Highlands, Russia, Bengal, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, and of course, the United States. The causes vary depending on the state, province, or country, but some include: 

• Crop failures 
• Wars 
• Pests and diseases 

• Government policies 
• Land reform policies 
• Adverse weather conditions 
• Supply chain disruptions 
• Agricultural mismanagement 

In our current era, potato shortages continue to occur and will likely occur in the forthcoming years. But despite its vulnerability to certain environmental factors, potatoes are quite resistant, and certain breeding programs and scientific research have even cultivated disease-resistant potato varieties. In short, it’s unlikely that the United States and other parts of the globe will come face-to-face with large-scale potato famines that were once widespread throughout the past few centuries. 

What’s Causing the Potato Shortage in 2023? 

It’s not just the United States that’s experiencing a shortage of potatoes – Japan, Malaysia, Kenya, Indonesia, and certain parts of Europe are all grappling with similar food industry challenges within their supply chains and production cycles. 

There are a number of factors at play, including storage/harvest gaps, supply chain disruptions, potato diseases, severe drought, and adverse weather conditions, though these vary depending on the country or area in question. 

For instance, within the Canadian province of Prince Edward Island, the potato wart disease, known as black scab, has been found growing in potatoes. For the time being, these exports have been temporarily suspended, a stark contrast to the usual 300 million pounds of exported potatoes. 

Meanwhile, Californian farmers have been struggling to cultivate potatoes due to the Klamath Basin’s water shortage. The Klamath Basin is located in California and Oregon and provides water resources for farmers, Native American tribes, and people who utilize nearby wells. The severe drought has not only negatively affected crops and drinking water but also the salmon population for nourishment. 

There’s also the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War, which has made the surrounding habitats far too dangerous for farmers to grow potatoes. A lack of laborers, liquidity challenges from banks, and unexploded bombs and mines around the farms are currently preventing Ukrainian farmers from continuing operations. Ukraine has been one of the largest potato producers globally, but all exports have currently been halted. 

Other factors such as excessive rain in South Africa, unusual weather patterns in Idaho, pandemic aftermath effects, and cold climates/frost have also affected potato crops and quality. 

USDA’s Potato Production Trends

Potato production has been on a decline over the past few years, evidenced by a recent report from the USDA. The total production counts are as follows: 

• 2020: 420,020 (1,000 cwt) 
• 2021: 409,829 (1,000 cwt) 
• 2022: 398,744 (1,000 cwt) 

• 2023: Values have not been released yet 

Potato shrinkage and loss have continued to increase during most months of 2020 – 2022. In recent months, the counts have been as follows: 

• March 2023: 16,738 (1,000 cwt) 

• April 2023: 18,296 (1,000 cwt) 
• May 2023: 19,616 (1,000 cwt) 
• June 2023: 20,913 (1,000 cwt) 

Unsurprisingly, these figures have caused the value of potatoes to skyrocket from 2020 to 2023, and will likely continue to increase for 2024, especially for GPODs and Idaho potatoes. 

But even though Idaho potatoes have been largely affected by adverse weather patterns, the state is currently #1 for potato harvesting, yield, and production, followed by Washington, North Dakota, Wisconsin, and Colorado. 

How Can Chefs Mitigate the Potato Shortage in 2023 & Beyond?

GPODs and Idaho potatoes have, unfortunately, been at the heart of the potato shortage in 2023, causing chefs, restaurant owners, and home cooks to utilize other potato varieties or vegetables as substitutions. 

For instance, russet potatoes from another growing region are just as versatile as the beloved Idaho variety, though they’re not as light and fluffy once baked. Another option is to use yellow and red potatoes, both of which have received positive feedback on quality control and shipping.  

Restaurants may also have to raise prices on potato dishes, decrease portion sizes, or remove them from menus completely. In the latter event, chefs could get creative with sweet potatoes and yuca, as well as slices of zucchini for fried veggie sticks. Other types of creative side dish ideas include: 

• Spiralized vegetable noodles 

• Crispy vegetable chips using beets, carrots, or kale 
• Mashed or fried plantains 
• Polenta or grits 
• Quinoa, rice, or pasta 
• Tater tots or mashed “potatoes” using cauliflower 

• Stuffed zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplants 

It’s also important to be transparent with your guests about the current shortage of potatoes, as well as any efforts you’re making to adapt. Use this opportunity to present them with exciting new dishes that highlight other types of root vegetables or global menu items that don’t rely so heavily on potatoes. 

Don’t Let the Shortage of Potatoes Slow Your Business Down 

There is no single factor that’s causing a mass potato shortage around the world. Factors such as wartime, supply chain disruptions, adverse weather conditions, and severe drought have all affected the quality and total crop yield of potatoes.  

At Riviera Produce, we’ll make sure that your business continues to run smoothly by providing you with a fresh supply of potato varieties as often as you’d like. We’re currently out of stock for 40 CT and 70 CT GPOD potatoes, but we have plenty of other sizes available to substitute.  

Contact our sales team today to place an order and inquire about what potatoes are currently in stock.