McDonald's drops tomato from the menu, issues notice to customers
The prices of tomatoes in different parts of India are skyrocketing, with some states clocking Rs. 350 a kg! Amidst this, many outlets of McDonald's have temporarily dropped this red veggie from their offerings, issuing a notice to customers for the same. While many believe it is owing to the surge in prices, folks at this burger giant say otherwise.
'We are forced to serve you products without tomatoes': McDonald's
A notice at a McDonald's outlet in Delhi's Connaught Place read, "Despite our best efforts, we are not able to get adequate quantities of tomatoes which pass our world-class stringent quality checks. Hence, for the time being, we are forced to serve you products without tomatoes." This left many wondering if the brand is also facing the adversities of the ongoing tomato price hike.
Here's what the notice says
'Not due to the surge in prices,' says a spokesperson
Clearing the air, A spokesperson from McDonald's India, North, and East told Economic Times that dropping tomatoes from the menu is nowhere related to the surge in prices of the vegetable. Instead, "It is due to the non-availability of tomatoes meeting our quality specifications." He also shared that outlets in the Punjab and Chandigarh have tomatoes on their menu.
'There are not enough quantities meeting our standards': Spokesperson
"Due to seasonal crop issues arising out of farms in a few regions, there aren't enough quantities meeting our quality specifications. To ensure customers get the best quality we are known to serve, we are constrained to hold tomatoes for the time being," he added.
The brand is currently working around resolving this issue
The spokesperson further told in his statement to the Economic Times that McDonald's is working around getting tomatoes back on the menu. "We are working towards resolving this issue by employing sustainable agriculture practices including hydroponically-grown tomatoes in a completely controlled environment to de-risk requirements from vagaries of the season," he stated. Per him, the problem is seasonal and temporary.
The price of tomatoes is increasing daily. Here's why
The surge in prices of tomatoes is majorly due to the immense rainfall in many parts of the country. Right from local stores and vegetable vendors to online grocery portals, everyone is bearing the brunt. Although it is a yearly episode, experts say that the impact is way too intense this time. Other veggies like cauliflower, chilies, etc. have also experienced price hikes.
Current tomato prices in Delhi, Gurugram, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai
Currently, tomatoes are being sold at Rs. 120 per kg in Delhi, Rs. 140 per kg in Gurugram, Rs. 152 per kg in Kolkata, Rs. 110 per kg in Bengaluru, Rs. 108 per kg in Mumbai, and Rs. 117 per kg in Chennai.
