As COVID-19 wreaks havoc on markets around the world, the potato markets are also starting to see an impact, however it is too early too tell what the exact longterm affect it will be, the March 11 issue of North American Potato Market News says.
The newsletter says there are concerns about the impact of COVID-19 on potatoes and potato product sales — however sales may rise, both domestically in North America and globally.
In Asian countries, where the virus originated from, there has been been limited availability of dock workers which has resulted in port congestion. This could limit the ability to receive products in the near term, the newsletter says.
Quarantine regulations and fear of contracting the virus will also cut in the restaurant business, says the newsletter. However, people still have to eat, and the newsletter notes online grocery sales and orders from food delivery service apps, such as Uber Eats and DoorDash, have soared in recent days — this could help overall potato sales.
