Electricity inside the burger: the partnership between Enel Energia and McDonald's

«Long-term relationships pay off, because they are the ones that allow corporate programs to be combined and to look toward the future together», explains Mario Federico, CEO of McDonald's Italy. The topic is the solid partnership established with Enel Energia. «The game is never just about price, but about expertise, vision and philosophy». Since 2018, Enel Energia has been supplying energy entirely from renewable sources to a large part of McDonald's restaurant network across Italy, while also providing consultancy and support for each of the roughly forty new McDonald's openings each year, within a total agreement of 165 GW annually. «Beyond the electron, which is the same for everyone, we were recognized for the value we add during the operational startup process of each new opening, paying attention to the entire life cycle of the restaurant, including sustainability support, consumption reduction and smart management of the commodity», adds Nicola Lanzetta, Head of the Italy Market for Enel Energia.

The relationship between Enel Energia and McDonald's began to take shape in 2014, starting with the opening of a new restaurant in Treviso. The careful technical management by Enel’s Key Account Manager, Andrea Faggian, was the beginning of building this relationship. «The initial idea was to offer a service tailored to the customer's profile and needs, bringing our expertise into play», recounts Faggian, «to ensure the process moved as quickly as possible». From that moment, a method for new openings was consolidated, from the preliminary evaluation to the activation of the energy supply, offering practical and operational support for McDonald's growth plans in Italy. «Our country plays an essential role in McDonald's international strategies», adds Federico. The company has been present in the territory for almost thirty-five years, Italy is among the eleven main markets in the world, and the plan includes about 100 new openings over the next three years. «Each new restaurant brings an average of 40 new jobs, and 85% of raw materials come from Italy. For us, there is a big difference between simply being present and being integrated. We want to be part of the community, hiring local staff, contributing to the circular economy and focusing on sustainability». For such ambitious goals, a partner with the same vision was necessary. From that first opening in Treviso, the relationship grew stronger, culminating in the 2018 tender, through which Enel Energia has been supplying the electricity for every one of the millions of burgers served by McDonald's in Italy.

«For us, playing a role within the community also means being aware of its environmental needs», says Federico. «Our journey goes from field to tray. We were the first to sign a sustainability agreement for the entire supply chain, which will lead to the certification of 4,000 farmers. Sustainability is a cornerstone, and the stories we tell must always be measurable». A good example is the commitment to reducing plastic consumption, achieving 1,000 tons less plastic used in our restaurants each year.
Energy had to be a key piece of this path. «The challenge ahead of us, as a company but I would also add as a country, is to make things happen in practice. Sustainability needs concreteness», adds Lanzetta. «Supply from 100% renewable sources is the best way to achieve sustainable production». Another step forward is the installation of electric car charging stations in front of McDonald's restaurants, in partnership with Enel X. «It is a way to provide a service while simultaneously sending a message. The electric car should not be a trend but must represent the mobility of the future. To become so, it must be convenient, widespread and popular».

The relationship that has been consolidated over the years between Enel Energia and McDonald's Italy goes beyond energy supply. It is a matter of affinity between two market-leading companies that have embraced sustainability and change. «The cardinal points that unite our philosophies are four», explains Nicola Lanzetta. «The territory. Innovation combined with tradition. Sustainable growth. And total focus on people, both customers and employees». Cardinal points not too different from those described by Mario Federico for McDonald's. «Deep affinities are what allow you to do business together for many years. Our foundations are to do things well, to grow along a clear and defined sustainability path, with first-class execution of the strategic plan. And then, of course, the fact that the ultimate goal is always to satisfy our customers».