Tomato crisis in the most populous country in the world

Wholesale prices of tomatoes, which are essential in traditional Indian cooking, rose 288 percent a month to Rs 140 in a month. On the other hand, there is a sharp decline in tomato consumption as retail prices soar.

The government attributes the increase in tomato prices to the interruption of transport and distribution due to monsoon rains. Consumers complain about the rise in prices of many products, not only tomatoes, but also milk and spices in recent months.

McDonald’s fast food restaurants have removed tomato from their burgers and wraps in many regions of India.

“Despite our best efforts, we cannot source enough tomatoes that have passed our strict quality controls,” read the doors of two McDonald’s restaurants in the capital, New Delhi. Store managers claimed that the problem was not price, but rather quality issues in the supply chain.

SEASONAL PROBLEMS…

Connaught Plaza, which operates around 150 McDonald’s restaurants in northern and eastern India, attributed the decision to “temporary” seasonal issues.

However, Westlife Foodworld, a McDonald’s franchisee in India’s western and southern regions, which has 357 restaurants, said “there is no serious problem with tomatoes.”

Delhi’s McDonald’s stores still offer ketchup packets, while a nearby Subway restaurant said it’s okay to serve tomatoes.

“Most of my clients have stopped buying tomatoes,” said vegetable vendor Vijay Sharma, as tomato sales fell sharply in the financial capital of Mumbai.

While Indians reduce their tomato consumption, some companies suggest alternatives. When typing tomato instead of searching in the BigBasket shopping app, “Tomato prices are high? Cook with tomato puree!” results.