INDIA – Produce in Indore, India, is getting the royal treatment, including armed guards, escorts, and a watchful eye. But rather than being protected just for their treasured status, as our industry would uphold, tomatoes have been getting specialty attention in the country due to a recent theft and market prices. 

According to The Indian Express, some dedicated thieves pilfered 30 crates of tomatoes from a vegetable market in Dahisar, Mumbai. The stolen goods equated to over 661 pounds of tomatoes, or 300 kilograms. Authorities estimate the cost of the stolen goods to be worth around 70,000 rupees (or over $1,000 USD). The vendor stated that this was the first time his produce had been stolen, leading some to worry this could be a new trend. 

Global News reported that the guards were deployed as tomato prices continue to rise in India. Authorities were concerned that the tight market would inspire more thefts as the popular tomatoes move through the supply chain. 

As police were unable to catch the original tomato fiends, forces were deployed to stand guard over other cartons of tomatoes in case they should strike again. Armed guards stood watch as the tomatoes in Indore were brought out of cartons and sold to customers. 

Tomato prices recently reached 100 rupees per kilogram (or roughly $0.70 per lb, USD) due to supply issues, causing some to state that this is the highest tomato prices have been, according to The Hindu news source. 

Will tomato thieves strike again? As the country looks to keep a lock on its produce during supply changes, AndNowUKnow will continue to report.