In response to a significant surge in tomato prices, Burger King has officially confirmed the removal of tomatoes from its offerings within Indian outlets. The renowned fast food conglomerate attributed this strategic decision to the escalating costs and the “unpredictable conditions affecting the quality and availability of tomato crops.”
Following suit after McDonald’s, Burger King is the second major fast food chain in the nation to eliminate tomatoes from its menu items. Agricultural experts point to the adverse impact of inclement weather conditions on crop yields, which has notably led to a shortage in the market.
Concurrently, Subway, the American sandwich franchise, recently joined the ranks of establishments adapting to India’s escalated food inflation, which has reached its highest level since January 2020. The popular chain also found it necessary to exclude tomatoes from its offerings. Furthermore, Subway opted to discontinue its longstanding practice of providing complimentary cheese slices with its sandwiches.
The Indian market has borne witness to a staggering surge in the prices of essential commodities over the past several months. The cost of tomatoes, for instance, scaled unprecedented heights, peaking at 250 rupees ($3; £2.37) per kilogram in July. This upward trajectory was predominantly attributed to the disruptive effects of monsoon rains on both crop production and supply chains.
