McDonald’s. Photo: depositphotos
Due to a temporary shortage of tomatoes, McDonald’s in Israel has announced possible changes to the number of tomato slices in its hamburgers. According to the network, the shortage is caused by high prices for tomatoes, which currently range from 90 shekels per kg in retail chains to 22.90 shekels in city stores. The increase in prices was the result of prolonged heat and import restrictions, which led to a reduction in crops.
Reasons for shortage
According to Ynet, the high prices of tomatoes are explained by the prolonged heat, which reduced the harvest, as well as the country’s dependence on imports. Farmers in Israel have canceled their September planting of tomatoes due to low yields and high growing costs. As a result, imported tomatoes
The situation with tomato prices
According to Stornext, tomato prices in retail chains have reached record levels. If in 2010 the average price of tomatoes was 5.72 shekels per kg, then by 2022 it increased to 7.36 shekels per kg, and now it reaches 8.56 shekels per kg. The highest price recorded at Super Yoda in Tel Aviv is NIS 22.90 per kg, while the price drops to NIS 12.90 per kg at the nearby Rami Levi branch.
Against the backdrop of rising prices, some chains such as Carrefour offer tomatoes for 14.90 shekels per kg, while at Shufersal Borochov in Givatayim the price is 12.90 shekels per kg. At the same time, discount chains sell tomatoes for 7.90-9.90 shekels per kg, and on CHP’s site in the Victory chain, you can find tomatoes for 90 agorots per kg when buying more than 100 shekels.
Impact on the market and offers
The reason for the high prices is not only the heat, but also problems with the import of tomatoes from Turkey and Jordan. Imports from Turkey are currently not possible and imports from Jordan are at risk due to cholera problems. The Ministry of Agriculture has already initiated government subsidies for tomato growers in the less profitable season to encourage them to increase production.
Decisions and expectations
According to forecasts, tomato prices will remain high until the end of September, after which they may decrease. In response to the shortage, consumers are advised to buy tomatoes on sale and reduce their consumption. In addition, the Ministry of Agriculture offers subsidies for producers who will increase production, but there are labor shortage problems.
Avocado prices
Against the background of high prices for tomatoes, the prices of avocados, on the contrary, decreased. Avocado prices currently range from NIS 4 to NIS 16 per kg, thanks to government planting subsidies that have lowered growing costs. Avocados are easy to grow and suffer less from heat, so their supply on the market is stable.
