Crop damage due to adverse weather conditions has led to a tomato scarcity in the market, say experts Burger King has announced the removal of tomatoes from its food
offerings in Indian outlets due to a significant increase in prices.
The fast food chain stated that the decision was prompted by "unpredictable conditions affecting the quality and availability of tomato crops."
Becoming the second fast food brand in the country to eliminate tomatoes from its menu, Burger King follows in the footsteps of McDonald's.
Crop damage resulting from adverse weather conditions has caused a shortage in the tomato market, according to experts.
Earlier this week, US sandwich chain Subway also removed tomatoes from its menu as India experienced its highest food inflation since January 2020, reports Reuters.
Subway even discontinued the long-standing practice of offering free cheese slices with their sandwiches.
In recent months, essential commodities prices have surged in India, with tomato prices peaking at 250 rupees ($3; £2.37) per kilo in July due to disrupted crop and supply chains caused by monsoon rains.
Tomato prices have since decreased, and this month, India began importing tomatoes from neighboring Nepal to mitigate the supply crisis.
These imported tomatoes are being sold at 50 rupees per kilo in Delhi, the capital, as well as the northern states of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
On Wednesday, Burger King India added a new section to its official website entitled "Why are there no tomatoes in my burgers?"
The food chain assured customers that its Indian franchise adheres to "very high standards of quality" and that tomatoes will soon return to the menu.
"Until then, we request your patience and understanding," the statement read.
Last month, McDonald's also omitted tomatoes from the majority of its outlets in northern and eastern India.
The decision was attributed by the fast food giant to quality concerns, rather than the surge in prices. Photo by Ceeseven, Wikimedia commons.