Amid an unprecedented surge in tomato prices in India, several Subway outlets in the country have decided to temporarily halt the inclusion of tomatoes in their salads and sandwiches due to quality issues. This move comes as tomatoes, a staple ingredient in many dishes, have witnessed a staggering price increase of nearly 400% in recent times.
Customers visiting a Subway outlet at a Delhi airport terminal were greeted with a sign that read "Temporary Unavailability of TOMATOES," informing them that the restaurant was unable to source enough tomatoes that passed their rigorous quality checks. The notice further assured customers that efforts were being made to restore tomato supplies promptly. However, there was no clarity on the number of outlets affected by this decision.
Culinary Brands, a subsidiary of the Everstone Group and the master franchisee for around 200 out of the 800 Subway outlets in India, is responsible for managing the supply chain of all these restaurants. Despite the situation's significance, the company has not issued any official statement in response to queries regarding the tomato supply issue.
While some Subway outlets are still serving tomatoes, checks on food ordering apps and communication with various stores revealed that at least two outlets in New Delhi, one in Uttar Pradesh, and one in Chennai have already discontinued the use of tomatoes in their products.
The rising tomato prices have been a matter of concern across the food industry in India. Just two weeks ago, McDonald's outlets in the country also removed tomatoes from their burgers and wraps due to quality-related problems. The price of tomatoes in New Delhi on July 22 hovered around $2.05 per kilogram, after reaching as high as $2.93.
Government officials attribute the surge in tomato prices to a lean production season, where monsoon rains have disrupted transportation and distribution networks. This scenario has contributed to a prolonged period of elevated prices for various essential items, ranging from milk to spices.
To alleviate the burden on consumers, the government has taken steps to make tomatoes available at more affordable rates. Mobile vans have been deployed to supply tomatoes at discounted prices, drawing hundreds of people to queue up daily.
Moreover, international restaurant chains, including Domino's and KFC, are adapting to the challenging economic conditions in India. They are introducing lower-priced products to cater to consumers who have scaled back their spending due to high inflation. In a strategic move, Domino's has launched a 60-cent seven-inch pizza, making it the brand's most budget-friendly option in the country.
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