Potato chip shortage to hit Australian supermarkets

The flooding in south-eastern Australia could lead to a widespread potato shortage, which could impact the supply of popular chips.

A spokesperson from PepsiCo Australia, who makes the likes of Smith's and Red Rock Deli chips, has said potato supply could be affected for months.

"High levels of rainfall have impacted some potato crops, and while we are managing potato supply, we have been working closely with our retail partners to ensure our brands continue to be widely available," a spokesperson for PepsiCo told media.

As a result, people might not see their much-loved snack on shelves as major supermarkets such as Coles, Woolworths and Aldi would be affected.

"Due to supply chain issues affecting suppliers, some brands of potato chips may be unavailable," a Coles spokesperson said to The Guardian.

Aldi also mentioned to 9 News that they are monitoring the "potential impact of the current flood emergency in Victoria".

And Woolworths took the opportunity to let people know there are other snack options available until the potato fallout blows over, the publication reports.

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People react on social media

On social media, people expressed their sympathy for the people impacted by the shortage, such as Australian potato farmers.

"Feel sorry for all the farmers, businesses and home owners," one person said on Instagram.

"Not good news!" said another.

However some customers had a light hearted response to potentially not being able to eat their regular chips.

"Diet starts now," one person said.

PepsiCo has told media that the company's other chip brands, such as Doritos and Twisties, will not be affected.

‘Unstable’ weather system to smash FOUR states

An “unstable” weather system is predicted to smash several states from Thursday with meteorologists warning it will go down as “one of the most significant storm days we've had this season".

Moist winds blowing off the Pacific Ocean and into a low pressure trough, combined with cold air in the upper atmosphere, are set to produce severe storms over the next week.

Forecasters are predicting flash flooding, heavy rain, damaging winds and large hail with parts of Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia in the eye of the storm.

“Today is probably the biggest day but the next couple of days also look reasonably significant,” Brett Dutschke, Meteorologist at the Weatherzone, told Yahoo News Australia.

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