How De Rica’s century-long Italian heritage has shaped its trusted presence in Nigerian kitchens and beyond
From Italy to the World: A Legacy of Taste Since 1912
De Rica Doppio Concentrato di Pomodoro — better known in Nigeria as De Rica Double Concentrated Tomato Paste — has been a beloved cooking essential since its introduction in 1912. Originating from Italy, the brand quickly rose to global recognition for its superior quality, flavour depth, and nutritional value. Over time, De Rica found a second home in Nigeria, where it has become an inseparable part of everyday cooking and festive meals alike.
The paste’s distinctive richness and tangy aroma have made it a household favourite for over five decades, bridging Italian culinary craftsmanship with Nigeria’s vibrant food traditions.
Arrival and Enduring Presence in Nigeria
De Rica entered the Nigerian market during the mid-20th century, a time when imported European goods represented premium quality. Initially distributed through importers and local supermarkets, the brand gained rapid popularity among Nigerian families for its consistent taste and long shelf life.
By the 1970s and 1980s, De Rica had become a kitchen staple in Nigerian homes, rivalled only by a few local alternatives. Nigerian cooks valued it for its ability to enhance stews, soups, and rice dishes with minimal effort. The brand’s name became so deeply associated with tomato paste that “De Rica” soon evolved into a generic household term — a symbol of quality tomato paste itself, regardless of manufacturer.
Today, while there are several locally produced alternatives, De Rica retains its loyal following. It remains widely available across Nigerian markets and supermarkets, often found in both imported and locally repackaged forms.
A Rich and Versatile Ingredient
What sets De Rica apart is its double concentration process, which intensifies tomato flavour and thickness. Made from premium sun-ripened Italian tomatoes, it delivers a deep, natural red colour and bold taste that enriches any dish.
In Nigeria, De Rica is the secret behind beloved dishes such as:
Nigerian stew (obe ata dindin) — for its rich, tangy base.
Jollof rice — for colour, aroma, and depth of flavour.
Beans porridge (ewa riro) — to balance texture and taste.
Egusi soup and spaghetti sauces — to enhance flavour layers.
This versatility, paired with its nutrient-rich composition, keeps De Rica at the centre of Nigerian cooking traditions.
Nutritional Value and Health Benefits
De Rica Double Concentrated Tomato Paste is not just flavourful — it’s also packed with vitamins and antioxidants. It contains vitamin C, iron, potassium, and lycopene, an antioxidant that helps protect against heart disease and cancer. Because of its concentration, it retains much of the natural goodness of fresh tomatoes in smaller quantities, making it both nutritious and economical.
Health-conscious consumers appreciate De Rica’s lack of artificial colours or preservatives, ensuring an authentic and wholesome cooking experience.
Available Sizes for Every Home
De Rica understands the diverse needs of Nigerian households. The product comes in several tin sizes — 210g, 400g, and 850g — to suit both small families and large-scale cooking. Its airtight packaging helps preserve freshness, and its thick texture ensures minimal wastage.
Restaurants, caterers, and street food vendors across Nigeria also rely on De Rica to maintain consistency and flavour in their daily meals.
Cultural Impact and Brand Legacy in Nigeria
Beyond being just a food product, De Rica has become part of Nigeria’s culinary identity. Generations have grown up seeing the iconic red tin in their mothers’ kitchens, and its name continues to evoke nostalgia and trust.
Even with increased competition from local brands, the phrase “buy De Rica” remains a common way to refer to tomato paste in Nigerian markets — a testament to its cultural and linguistic imprint.
This emotional connection has kept De Rica relevant through Nigeria’s economic changes, food industry evolution, and shifts in consumer habits.
For more than a century, De Rica Double Concentrated Tomato Paste has maintained its reputation for excellence — from the heart of Italy to the kitchens of Nigeria. Its consistent flavour, versatility, and nutritional value have made it a cornerstone of Nigerian cooking and a trusted name across generations.
Whether you’re preparing Sunday stew, festive jollof rice, or a simple weekday meal, De Rica continues to deliver the authentic taste of quality tomatoes — a taste that has united Italian craftsmanship with Nigerian creativity for over fifty years.
References:
De Rica Official Product Page (Italy)
Nigerian Market Archives (Food Imports, 1970s–1990s)
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