McDonald’s Australia has revealed its Aussie Shopping List from 2023 with the business purchasing over 330 million kilograms of local produce, products, and ingredients, resulting in a total spend of more than $1 billion across the local supply chain. 

Macca’s purchased an extra 29 million kilograms of Aussie items in 2023 when compared to 2022, driven by significant demand for Aussie beef from international McDonald’s restaurants and consistent purchasing of Aussie produce such as lettuce, potatoes, tomatoes and cucumbers.

Holding a weight six times heavier than the Sydney Harbour Bridge[i], the full local 2023 Shopping List includes:

150 million kilograms of Aussie potatoesfor iconic Fries and Hash Browns

80 million kilograms of Aussie beeffor much-loved Aussie Beef Burgers in Macca’s restaurants across Australia (36 million kgs) and in McDonald’s restaurants around the world (44 million kgs)

20 million kilograms of Aussie RSPCA-approved chickenfor Chicken McNuggets and Burgers

52 million litres of fresh Aussie milkfor Sundaes, Shakes, Frappes and Coffees

21 million kilograms of Aussie wheatflour for Buns, Apple Pies and Tortilla Wraps

1.8 million kilograms of Aussie cucumbersfor Maccas’ signature Pickles

79 million cage-freeAussie eggs for McMuffins

3.9 million kilograms of Aussie lettuce

1.7 million kilograms of Aussie tomatoes

1.2 million kilograms of Aussie onions

1.2 million kilograms of Aussie apples for Apple Slices and Pies

Tom Mahony, Senior Director of Supply Chain, McDonald’s Australia, said: “Our billion-dollar spend in the local supply chain underscores McDonald's Australia’s unwavering support of local farmers and suppliers.

“McDonald’s has proudly supported the local agricultural industry for more than 50 years, sourcing great quality produce, ingredients and products from suppliers and farmers located in every State and Territory. 

“In 2023 alone, we served up approximately 49 million Big Mac burgers to customers across Australia, with each Big Mac featuring 100% Aussie beef, lettuce, wheat flour, pickles and onions sourced from farmers across Australia.

“It's farmers like Matt Vella in Camden who contribute to this remarkable achievement, ensuring we continue to support the local agricultural industry and serve up the highest-quality ingredients for our customers to enjoy.”

One of the dedicated farmers behind McDonald’s remarkable purchase of 3.9 million kilograms of lettuce in 2023 is Matt Vella, a third-generation lettuce grower from Camden, New South Wales.

“We’ve proudly partnered with McDonald’s for over a decade, supplying 3,000 kilograms of fresh, crisp iceberg lettuce each week, totaling more than 156,000 kilograms per year.

“Our lettuce is grown here in Camden and delivered fresh to McDonald’s supplier, Golden State Foods, who wash, slice and package up the lettuce to be delivered to restaurants in New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia.

“McDonald’s consistent and reliable weekly orders have been instrumental to our growth, enabling us to expand into a thriving 100-acre farm with over 30 employees.

“Having McDonald’s support is crucial—it allows us to continue doing what we love and showcases the quality of Aussie produce to millions of customers everyday.” Matt said.

Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins said: “Australian farmers are responsible for growing the very best produce in the world.

“It’s great to see this quality is reflected in the Maccas’ local shopping list which will help to support Australian farmers.

“This will boost local economies across the country, supporting jobs and ensuring regional and rural Australia thrives.”