NEW DELHI: Just like aloo (potato) is synonymous with samosa, tomatoes have a long association with burgers. However, the high price of tomatoes seems to have broken the pairing.
McDonald’s, the popular fast-food chain, has decided to remove tomatoes from its menu offerings in several parts of India due to concerns over quality and a surge in prices. Notices posted in two McDonald’s stores in New Delhi explained that despite their best efforts, they were unable to obtain an adequate quantity of tomatoes that met their strict quality standards.
The soaring prices of tomatoes have been attributed to supply shortages and disruptions caused by the monsoon rains. Wholesale prices of tomatoes, a staple in traditional Indian cuisine, have risen by a staggering 288 per cent in some regions over the course of a month, reaching a high of 140 rupees per kilogram on Friday. Retail prices have remained even higher, leading many consumers to reduce their tomato consumption.
While the government blames the price increase on the lean production season and transportation issues, consumers have already faced higher prices for various items, including milk and spices, in recent months.
The decision to remove tomatoes from their offerings is reportedly due to quality concerns within McDonald’s supply chain rather than pricing issues, according to store managers.
Connaught Plaza Restaurants, the franchisee responsible for approximately 150 McDonald’s outlets in India’s north and east, cited “temporary” seasonal issues as the reason for the decision. However, Westlife Foodworld, the franchisee for the western and southern regions operating 357 restaurants, stated that there were no significant tomato-related issues and that only 10 per cent to 15 per cent of their stores temporarily stopped serving tomatoes due to the seasonal problem.
It’s worth noting that while McDonald’s Delhi stores will no longer include tomatoes in their burgers and wraps, they will still offer tomato ketchup sachets.
While McDonald’s has temporarily removed tomatoes from their menu, it remains to be seen how long this change will last and if other restaurants and businesses will follow suit until the tomato market stabilises.