French fry shortage shows need to develop local supply chains: experts

THE french fry shortage has hit Singapore's shores, as Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) Singapore last week removed the fast food staple from its set meals and replaced it with waffle hash.

Potato sourcing has been a problem in many other countries due to crop issues and pandemic-linked shipping bottlenecks. Companies have been at work on alternative supplies, but experts suggest a need to develop better or more localised supply chains.

At KFC outlets in Singapore, signs have been posted about a "global supply disruption" resulting in limited amounts of french fries. Upsizes for fries and cheese fries will not be available, the chain said, without giving a possible date for their return.