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CIP • SOCIAL SCIENCES WORKING PAPER 2010-1 4.9 Cross-cutting problems in chips processing and trade in the ECA region The following cross-cutting problems were identified in processing and marketing of chips in all the study countries. 1. Unavailability and un-sustainable supply of quality potato for processing into chips Availability of sufficient amounts of potatoes that meet the required quality attributes such as high dry matter content, medium to large size, white to crème color and oval or elongated shape is generally limited in all the ECA countries. Because of seasonal nature of production, their supply is also irregular and unsustainable. <strong>Potato</strong> commonly available at the market is very poor in quality and does not fulfill the most important quality attributes required for chips processing. Poor quality of potatoes results in high losses (about 40% on average) and poor quality of chips and other products. It is mainly because of this problem that countries are importing frozen chips to meet customers’ demands for quality chips. This has forced spending of hard currency by the countries on imports of frozen chips. 2. Lack of adequate knowledge and skills on chips processing, storage and frying techniques Lack of knowledge and skills of chips processing, packaging, frying, storing, additives, preservatives and others is significant in all the countries. The processors, retail outlets and households practice chips processing mostly by trial and error. Information is lacking on dimensions of chips (length, width, etc), type and quantity of oil to be used, suitable equipment, packaging, the duration fresh chips should be stored in refrigerators, types and amounts of additives and preservatives, etc. As a result, the quality of chips processed is mostly poor even though consumers still by them. Considerable proportion of chips is not sellable and this limits the market. For instance, crisps processors in Ethiopia described that it is because of lack of knowledge in the above areas that they did not yet start processing of chips. 3. Non-existence and unawareness of standards for chips processing Retail outlets of high standards and processors complained non-existence or unawareness on the quality standards for chips. They do not have idea about how quality chips should look like. Especially customers of high class retail outlets (such as hotels and bars & restaurants) demanded quality chips for health concerns. This problem has forced the use of poor quality chips and the resulting low prices. 36 M A R K E T S F O R F R E S H A N D F R O Z E N P O T A T O C H I P S I N T H E E C A
CIP • SOCIAL SCIENCES WORKING PAPER 2010-1 4. Absence or limited availability of enterprises engaged in processing and selling of ready-to-cook chips The reason why most of the retail outlets are processing chips by themselves is because of lack of companies that processes and sell ready-to-fry frozen chips. Even though there is a processor of frozen chips in Kenya, it cannot meet the demand of chips in the country. Availability of enterprises specialized in processing, packaging and selling of ready-to-fry frozen chips would potentially increase the demand and growth of the chips industry. 5. Poor knowledge of chips by customers The retail outlets, especially low standard ones that did not yet start processing of chips said they had never received requests for chips from their customers. This implies that considerable proportion of the population is lacking awareness about chips. M A R K E T S F O R F R E S H A N D F R O Z E N P O T A T O C H I P S I N T H E E C A 37
Page 1 and 2: Markets for fresh and frozen potato
Page 5 and 6: Table of Contents 1. Introduction .
Page 7 and 8: Abstract Potato is an important foo
Page 9 and 10: Acknowledgments The study team woul
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