Strange: McDonald’s Hit by Tomatoes!

Due to supply problems and quality concerns from rising tomato costs, several McDonald’s restaurants in India have omitted tomatoes from their burgers and wraps. In a month, wholesale prices of tomatoes, an Indian staple, rose 288% to 140 rupees ($1.7) per kilogram. Higher retail costs diminish tomato consumption.

Monsoon rains hindered tomato shipping and distribution, causing a poor output season. McDonald’s restaurant managers in New Delhi said they couldn’t get enough high-quality tomatoes, not price.

McDonald’s franchisee in India’s north and east, Connaught Plaza Restaurants, called the issue “temporary” and seasonal. Westlife Foodworld, India’s western and southern franchisee with 357 locations, denied any tomato-related difficulties. The problem was seasonal, therefore only 10% to 15% of their outlets stopped providing tomatoes.

McDonald’s Delhi outlets still sell tomato ketchup packets, although a neighboring Subway reported no difficulties selling tomatoes. However, Mumbai vegetable trader Vijay Sharma has seen tomato sales plummet due to tomato scarcity. Some companies recommend cooking using tomato purée.