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During December 2023, the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and the United Nations’ (UN) General Assembly decided to designate 30 May as International Day of the Potato. The goal is to raise awareness regarding the nutritional benefits of potatoes, as well as its economic contribution to societies, livelihoods and food security and the fight against hunger.
Potatoes are an important aspect of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (notably goals 1 and 2) and closer to home in South Africa, they also contribute to the 2030 National Development Plan’s goal of eliminating poverty and hunger.
Potatoes SA and friends celebrate
This year, Potatoes SA hosted two fresh produce market days at the Cape Town and Joburg Markets on 27 and 30 May, respectively. The days were filled with joy and, of course, potatoes.
Fresh produce markets (FPMs) are the main channel through which potatoes in South Africa are marketed, with over 60% going into the informal market. In 2024, over 107 million 10 kg potato bags were sold via these FPMs.
Potatoes make a big contribution to the livelihoods of people in South Africa, especially in townships and rural areas. Many make a living selling potatoes on sidewalks or from food trolleys. Some are micro-sellers who process and sell potatoes as chips, in kotas, or as part of lunch plates that include potato salads or curried potatoes. Potatoes SA handed out branded business enablers such as price flashes, which allow hawkers to display their prices. Additionally, aprons and reflector bibs were handed out to traders who make kotas, cook ama-Plate or who sell from trolleys.
Partners worth noting
Potatoes SA partnered with Freddy Hirsch, Prokon, the Agricultural Produce Agents Council (APAC), GWK, and Wesgrow during the celebrations. Jozi FM broadcast live from the Joburg Market, playing music and conducting interviews with key stakeholders. Wesgrow was present at the Joburg day to showcase their cultivars, Tyson and Panamera, by making chips for buyers to test and taste. GWK did the same at Cape Town Market, preparing fried slap chips made from their Lanorma and Lilly varieties, so buyers could see and taste how the cultivars cooked.
Freddy Hirsh, the official braai partner of the Springboks and Chisanyama partner to Bafana Bafana, showcased its Legacy and Heroes spice on both days while serving deliciously seasoned potato soup. They also ran a competition on the Potatoes SA mobile app where a signed Springbok jersey and Bafana Bafana jersey could be won.
Prokon attended both days, engaging with buyers with the purpose of assisting them in identifying what quality and classes of potatoes they are buying. Francois Knowles, the registrar of APAC, also attended both days and shared information regarding legal aspects. – Sheila Makgato, Potatoes SA
Potatoes SA looks forward to celebrating International Day of the Potato again in 2026, and get to know and connect with people who love and enjoy potatoes. For more information, send an email to sheila@potatoes.co.za.
