In Switzerland, the 2023 potato harvest was unsatisfactory. After 2021, which was too wet, and 2022, which was too dry, 2023 was a year of high heat and heavy summer rainfall.
According to local media reports, the country is experiencing a 3rd poor potato harvest. Particularly for varieties intended for industrial use (French fries, potato chips), where some growers have recorded losses of up to 50% of the usual volume.
The shortage is estimated at around 100,000 tonnes of potatoes throughout Switzerland. Imports of potatoes for industrial use are set to increase.
This year's poor harvest can be explained by fluctuations in weather conditions, ranging from hot weather to heavy rainfall. Many potatoes did not reach the minimum size required by the industry.
For the future, the development and adoption of improved varieties, more robust in the face of less optimal weather conditions for potatoes, seems necessary. But this change will take several years.