Global producer and distributor, Endemol Shine Group today announces that global hit MasterChef has now sold to 60 markets.

Endemol Shine Latino has been commissioned by Mall TV (Medcom) in Panama to produce a first series for the channel. The deal is a milestone for the blockbuster cookery entertainment series as it marks the 60th territory to locally produce the show.

The news comes just as Endemol Shine Australia has picked up a nomination for an International Emmy award for their version of the show, which first launched in 2009.

MasterChef first launched on British television in 2005, where 40 series have aired to date on the BBC, produced by Shine TV. The show is watched globally by over 300 million viewers. The format has 28.6 million fans and 2.9 billion lifetime views across social media platforms and is a No.1 rated show from the UK to the US, Sweden, Spain, Italy, Israel and beyond, becoming a truly global hit.

The show is based on a format originally created by Franc Roddam, which follows talented amateur chefs as they go on an authentic journey to win their place as a MasterChef champion. It has transformed over 100 of these hopefuls into professionals.

Lisa Perrin, CEO of Creative Networks at Endemol Shine Group says: “MasterChef is the number one food format in the world and consistently delivers fantastic ratings to broadcasters while engaging digital audiences worldwide. The format taps into a global appetite for watching everyday people fulfil their dreams of achieving something extraordinary. Bringing local versions to 60 countries around the world is testament to the format’s scope and popularity and we are proud to sign this landmark 60th deal for the show with culinary rich Panama.”

Franc Roddam, who created the original format adds: “MasterChef is a joyous program. I am thrilled that it has brought pleasure to millions of viewers and changed the lives of thousands. When I created MasterChef, it felt like we were living in a culinary desert; now it seems the whole world is totally absorbed by cooking. I always believed that MasterChef had the potential to become a global brand and am delighted that partnering with Endemol Shine has enabled this to happen.”

MasterChef is the worldwide smash hit format that sets out on a nationwide quest to find the best amateur cook in the country. A cook whose passion, creativity, technical skill and love of food means that they are truly a MasterChef. Through tough individual and team challenges, our amateur cooks are judged by some of the country’s top chefs and distinguished food critics. It’s a life-changing journey for many, but only one will be crowned the nation’s MasterChef.

The MasterChef format and finished programmes are represented internationally by Endemol Shine Group.