As a response to the unprecedented surge in tomato prices, several Subway India outlets have made the decision to discontinue the inclusion of tomatoes in their salads and sandwiches. The move comes as a response to the quality challenges faced by the foreign brand, with the cost of this essential staple skyrocketing by almost 400% to reach record highs in the country.
A Delhi airport terminal Subway outlet has informed its customers about the “Temporary Unavailability of TOMATOES” through a sign displayed at the restaurant. The message states that the outlet is currently facing challenges in sourcing tomatoes that meet their stringent quality standards. As a result, they are unable to serve tomatoes until the supply issue is resolved.
“Hence for the time being we are forced to serve you products without tomatoes,” it said. “We are working to get the tomatoes supplies back.”
Everstone Group’s Culinary Brands, the master franchisee for approximately 200 out of India’s 800 Subway locations, and responsible for overseeing the supply chain for all these outlets, remained silent when approached for a comment.
The exact number of affected outlets remained unclear.
Based on checks of food ordering apps and calls to stores, numerous Indian outlets were reported to still be offering tomatoes. However, it was observed that at least two outlets in New Delhi, one in Uttar Pradesh, and one in Chennai had halted the availability of tomatoes.
“It’s very expensive,” said one Subway store employee.
Around two weeks ago, McDonald’s outlets in various regions of India made the decision to remove tomatoes from their burgers and wraps due to quality issues.
Read More: McDonald’s in Delhi grapples with tomato crisis, temporarily removes tomatoes from offerings
In the capital city of New Delhi, tomatoes were being sold at approximately INR 168 ($2.05) per kilogram (93 cents per pound) on Saturday, following a recent peak of around INR 240.
The government attributes the surge in tomato prices to a lean production season, which has been further exacerbated by disruptions in transport and distribution due to monsoon rains. This rise in prices is part of a larger trend that has persisted for several months, impacting a variety of items, including milk and spices.
In recent weeks, the government has taken the initiative to set up mobile vans that offer tomatoes at more affordable rates. As a result, hundreds of people have been queuing up daily to avail of this cost-effective option.
Amidst high inflation leading to reduced consumer spending in India, global restaurant chains such as Domino’s and KFC are adapting their strategies. They are introducing lower-priced products to cater to the current economic climate. Domino’s, for instance, is actively promoting its 60-cent seven-inch pizza, which happens to be the brand’s most budget-friendly offering worldwide, exclusively in the country.