McDonald's Experiences Disturbance In Potato Imports, Japan Is Rocked By The French Fries War

JAKARTA - The recent rationing of French fries by McDonald's Co. Japan due to the disruption of potato imports, prompting competitors to grab a bigger market share, sparked what social media users called the 'potato war.'

Restaurant operator McDonald's in Japan said it would only offer a smaller portion of its French fries menu for about a month starting Jan. 9 at all of its roughly 2,900 outlets in Japan. This is the second time in two months the company has restricted sales of the popular item.

Floods near the Canadian port of Vancouver and logistical disruptions worldwide triggered by the coronavirus pandemic delayed potato imports from North America, prompting the company to suspend sales of medium and large portions of French fries for a week in December.

The restaurant chain said continued import delays due to bad weather had forced it to impose further restrictions on sales. The company has also temporarily suspended its French fries offerings in some locations.

The move has shaken up many consumers in Japan, with the term "poteto nanmin" (potato refugees) going viral on social media.

"I feel very sad about the rationing because I love French fries," said a 30-year-old man who had just bought a small portion at a McDonald's store in Tokyo's Ginza shopping district, citing Kyodo News Jan. 23.

"I hope they will fix the supply problem quickly."

The current situation is surrounded by a number of competitors as an opportunity to take advantage, trying to fill the existing demand gap.

For example, hamburger chain Freshness Burger, under Colowide Co., started a campaign on January 14, increasing its French fries portion by 25 percent through February 27.

The company said it was not facing a supply shortage, as it sources its potatoes from Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost main island known for its agricultural products.

"We launched this campaign to save potato refugees. We want to meet their potato needs," Freshness Burger reads on its website.

Meanwhile, convenience store chain operator Ministop Co. started offering 'bucket potato' fries at triple the usual serving size on January 14th.

Ministop said the new product was inspired by better-than-expected sales, when it increased its French fries portion by 50 percent around the year-end and New Year's holidays.

Meanwhile, McDonald's does not offer fries in medium and large portions during this period.

The increased rivalry has led many to tweet about the 'potato war' with one post saying, "This is a welcome war for French fries lovers."

Tatsunori Taniai, 33, who visited a McDonald's store in Tokyo recently, said he was a big fan of his French fries.

"There are times when I just need the taste of junk food. So I don't think I will immediately switch to another company's product. But if the shortage of potatoes continues, there is no guarantee," he said.