INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
NEW DELHI: Many McDonald's restaurants in India have removed tomatoes from their burgers and wraps due to supply shortages and concerns
about the vegetable's quality, news agency Reuters reported on Friday
Tomato prices in some regions have skyrocketed, with wholesale prices surging 288% in a month, reaching a record high of 140 rupees ($1.7)
Retail prices are even higher, leading to reduced consumption by consumers.Notices posted in two McDonald's stores in New Delhi explained
why they were not using tomatoes in products."Despite our best efforts, we are not able to get adequate quantities of tomatoes which pass
our stringent quality checks
We are forced to serve you products without tomatoes," said notices posted in two McDonald's stores in New Delhi.Connaught Plaza
Restaurants, the McDonald's franchisee operating approximately 150 outlets in northern and eastern India, attributed the decision to
"temporary" seasonal issues
However, Westlife Foodworld, the McDonald's franchisee for western and southern India with 357 restaurants, stated that there were no
significant tomato-related problems
Only 10% to 15% of their stores were temporarily unable to serve tomatoes due to seasonal factors.While some McDonald's stores in Delhi
still offer tomato ketchup sachets, a nearby Subway restaurant reported no issues in serving tomatoes
The government attributes the increase in tomato prices to a lean production season affected by monsoon rains that disrupt transportation
03:49'Heavy rains destroy tomato crops, causing shortage and price surge; new crop brings hope'Unfavorable weather conditions, including
heavy rains in certain growing regions and above-average temperatures last month, have significantly impacted tomato production, leading to
a fivefold price increase this year
While tomatoes typically become expensive during the lean production months of June and July, the impact this year has been particularly
pronounced.(With inputs from agencies)
