“Imagine if all of us gathered here did something to feed the poor. I am encouraged by all those industry stakeholders who have generously donated to the #PassThePotato initiative and call upon all of us gathered here at this International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) gathering to get involved. Together, we can do so much more,” says Immaculate Zinde, Marketing & Produce Promotion Manager, Potatoes South Africa.
According to Jane Strydom, Marketing & Membership Manager, IFPA, Potatoes South Africa’s initiative to lend a hand is commendable. Strydom thanked the potato industry for their relentless support and participation at the IFPA event held on 16 February 2022 in Bryanston, Johannesburg.
“As IFPA, we know that we can always count on Potatoes South Africa to forge meaningful collaborations to push the industry forward. Willie Jacobs [CEO of Potatoes South Africa] added immerse value to our panel discussion. Immaculate encouraged our members to get involved in PSA’s refreshing #PassThePotato initiative. IFPA is thankful for PSA’s support, including with their contribution to the fun quiz,” adds Strydom.
Steering thought leadership
Potatoes South Africa continues to forge collaborative efforts in a bid to move the industry forward, break silos, and facilitate the advancement of innovative knowledge. One of the ways the potato industry association does this is through the dissemination of insights, as was the case at this IFPA event when Willie Jacobs, CEO of Potatoes South Africa, formed part of the day’s panel discussions. Jacobs was one of the three captains of industry who were selected to tackle the topic of “how data can drive better decision making and control in the supply chain.”
In this dynamic discussion – which included questions from stakeholders in attendance – Jacobs set the landscape of the potato industry before tackling questions. These questions included, but were not limited to, providing clarification on a particular potato cultivar “shortage” as reported in recent media reports, the impact of supply and demand on pricing, agriculture and modern technology (such as with PSA’s modern app), as well as providing an update on PSA’s efforts with regard to anti-dumping duties and how the organisation is toiling behind the scenes to provide protection to South African potato producers – and the community at large.
More information will be shared in CHIPS magazine.