Rising tomato prices drive Indian consumers towards avocado toast as a cost-effective choice

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

India is making avocados look affordable by comparison. Once the fruit of choice for the wealthy and the upper middle class (because who else could afford to spend hundreds of rupees on one unit?) avocados are becoming increasingly popular in some parts of the country. This shift in consumer preference can be attributed to both the decrease in avocado prices and the simultaneous hike in tomato prices.

A staple ingredient in Indian cuisine, tomatoes have witnessed an unprecedented price surge in recent days, with wholesale traders projecting prices to reach new heights, surpassing Rs 300 per kilogram. Supply chain disruptions, climatic conditions, and other market dynamics are among the factors contributing to this price surge. The stark price difference between avocados and tomatoes has drawn attention on social media, as users share comparisons and discuss the affordability of avocado toast compared to traditional tomato chutney.

Twitter users have posted images of avocados retailing as low as Rs 59, while tomatoes are selling at Rs 222 per kilogram. This has spurred interest in avocado-based breakfasts, with some seeking to create visually appealing and Instagram-worthy dishes. Well-known nutrition coach, Shashi Iyengar, and other individuals have observed the evolving trend, acknowledging the decline in tomatoes' once-exclusive status.

Vishal K Bharadwaj, a Twitter user, also shared his experience making avocado toast repeatedly, highlighting the cost advantage over traditional Indian delicacies. As tomato prices continue to soar, vegetable wholesalers are facing significant losses as the demand for tomatoes, capsicum, and other seasonal vegetables decreases. Kaushik, a member of the Agricultural Produce Marketing