THE UK is facing a pizza crisis amid rocketing tomato costs, experts warn.
A shortage of the seeded salad staple across Europe has sent prices soaring by 400 per cent – from £5 a case to £20.
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It means pizza chefs will no longer be able to afford the traditional passata base — and may be forced to use courgettes or asparagus instead.
Jim Winship, Chair of the British Pizza, Pasta and Italian Food Association, said: “There is the possibility that pizzerias relying on fresh produce will have to get creative with ingredients.
“You can’t magic up tomatoes in a very short space of time.”
Carmelo Carnavale, who runs North London Italian restaurant Lizzie’s Cucina, said: “When I put something with different ingredients on the menu customers still want tomato.
“But if the price is going to rise again I will take out tomato from the menu for at least three weeks.”
UK Italian chefs’ federation boss Enzo Oliveri said some restaurants are using cheeses such as ricotta, or vegetables including courgettes or aubergines as a base and to thicken sauces.
He called for the government to cap the price of tomatoes but said: “I don’t see any light at the end of the tunnel.”
The shortage is being blamed on unseasonably mild weather in the Med and soaring energy costs affecting crops in UK greenhouses.
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Former Environment Secretary George Eustice warned last night the shortage could last another month.
The Tory MP said: “The reality is that there isn’t much different that the government could have done.”
Defra said last week it was in close contact with suppliers.
Sales of watercress are rocketing due to the ongoing fruit and veg shortage as it is less affected by variations in the weather, experts say.
