Title: Skyrocketing Tomato Prices Push Restaurants to Seek Alternatives
Amidst soaring tomato prices and scarce supplies, restaurants in India are finding creative ways to cope with the situation and keep their businesses running smoothly. In an effort to control their kitchen budgets, Whitestone Cottages, a riverside resort in Himachal Pradesh’s Tirthan Valley, has made the decision to stop including tomatoes in their salad recipes. Instead, they are substituting the vegetable with other seasonal options and using canned tomato puree for cooking.
The surge in tomato prices has affected restaurants across the country, forcing them to explore alternative ingredients. Someplace Else, a popular restaurant in Mumbai, has turned to red bell pepper, curd, and tamarind to infuse sour flavors into their dishes. Nikhil Chawla, co-owner of Poach and Marbella’s in Kolkata, revealed that their input costs for tomato-based items have increased by a staggering 200%. Faced with inflated bills and lack of availability, restaurants are wrestling with the challenge of maintaining profitability.
As of July 11th, tomato prices in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata stood at Rs 138 per kilogram, according to data provided by the consumer affairs ministry. Bites ‘n Grill, a Mumbai-based burger joint, has had to reduce the number of tomato slices in their burgers while also stockpiling tomato puree to combat rising costs. However, many restaurants are hesitant to pass on these increased expenses to consumers, fearing this may negatively impact customer footfall.
The tomato shortage has implications for various aspects of restaurant menus. Ashish Singh, culinary director at Café Delhi Heights, stated that the cost of tomato-based curries has gone up by 20%-30%. In response, some restaurants have resorted to suspending certain tomato-based menu items altogether. For example, the White Lake Group of Resorts and Restaurants in Mysore has removed tomato rice, tomato chutney, and tomato soup from their offerings due to the financial impracticality of serving them at their original prices. The group has increased its workforce to source vegetables directly from farmers.
While restaurants are struggling to manage the impact of skyrocketing tomato prices, they are also wary of raising menu prices for fear of alienating customers. Despite facing financial challenges, they remain committed to maintaining a positive guest experience. Some establishments are hopeful that the government will intervene to address the situation. Fast food giant McDonald’s India has already removed tomatoes from its menu in some outlets due to the non-availability of high-grade tomatoes.
In conclusion, Indian restaurants are grappling with the unprecedented rise in tomato prices and scarcity of supply. While they explore alternative ingredients and make adjustments to their menus, they are cautious about passing on the increased costs to customers. As the situation persists, the industry is closely watching for any government intervention that could provide relief. The impact of the tomato shortage on restaurants highlights the need for creative solutions and adaptive measures to navigate these challenging times.
