McDonald's chooses Pachino tomatoes PGI for its sandwiches

The Pachino tomato, produced in the municipality of the same name in the province of Siracusa, was recognised as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) by the European Union in 2003. It is a small tomato with a sweet, intense flavour and firm, juicy flesh. Thanks to the particular climatic and soil conditions of the production area, the Pachino tomato has unique organoleptic characteristics.

The fast food chain McDonald’s has decided to use the Pachino IGP tomato, known for its Sicilian excellence. The agreement was signed with the Consortium that protects the product, and foresees the inclusion of Pachino IGP tomatoes in two McDonald's menu options from October 2023. The restaurant giant has agreed to purchase 250,000 kilos of Pachino IGP tomato per year. The use of this ingredient, appreciated worldwide for its goodness, represents an important choice for McDonald's and for Sicily.

McDonald's Italia's commitment to supporting Sicilian supply chains was stated by the company's CEO, who said: "The Pachino Igp tomato is an Italian excellence and we decided to introduce it in our products and recipes." This decision will provide a significant opportunity for Sicilian producers to enhance the Pachino chain.

Great satisfaction also came from the president of the IGP Consortium: "An important signature, which brings visibility to an Italian product, specifically the Pachino Igp tomato, within a large global chain".The partnership between McDonald's and the producers of Pachino IGP tomatoes therefore represents a growth opportunity for the Sicilian economy, which will benefit from the visibility and enhancement of its product.