McDonald’s and Krispy Kreme recently announced a partnership that will see Krispy Kreme doughnuts sold at McDonald’s locations nationwide by the end of 2026. The rollout is set to begin in the second half of this year, with Krispy Kreme doubling its distribution to accommodate the partnership. The plan involves using Krispy Kreme’s “hub and spoke” model, where production hubs send freshly made doughnuts to various retail locations. While Krispy Kreme currently delivers to 6,800 third-party stores, the partnership with McDonald’s will allow the doughnut chain to significantly expand its reach.
McDonald’s has approximately 13,500 restaurants in the U.S. and is planning to open 900 new locations by 2027. Krispy Kreme CEO, Josh Charlesworth, emphasized that the existing infrastructure of doughnut shops will be leveraged to service around 6,000 McDonald’s restaurants. This partnership not only benefits Krispy Kreme in terms of increased distribution but also provides an opportunity to improve efficiency and productivity in its distribution network. The collaboration is a win-win situation for both chains, with McDonald’s enhancing its bakery and breakfast offerings while Krispy Kreme establishes new points of access for its doughnuts.
The relationship between McDonald’s and Krispy Kreme began about a year and a half ago when Krispy Kreme doughnuts were introduced at nine McDonald’s restaurants as a test. The success of the pilot led to a significant expansion, with approximately 160 restaurants in Louisville and Lexington, Kentucky, now offering Krispy Kreme doughnuts. The positive response from McDonald’s customers during these tests exceeded expectations, paving the way for a national rollout of the partnership.
McDonald’s customers will have the option to purchase original glazed, chocolate iced with sprinkles, and chocolate iced cream-filled Krispy Kreme doughnuts individually or in packs of six. These doughnuts will be available for sale throughout the day at McDonald’s locations. The addition of Krispy Kreme doughnuts complements McDonald’s coffee offerings, providing customers with a wider selection of bakery items.
Looking ahead, Krispy Kreme anticipates expanding its reach to over 100,000 points of access globally, up from a previous estimate of 75,000 locations. The chain currently operates in more than 14,100 stores across 39 countries. Despite a 20% decline in shares over the past year, Krispy Kreme remains optimistic about its future growth potential, driven by strategic partnerships like the one with McDonald’s.
The collaboration between McDonald’s and Krispy Kreme represents a significant milestone for both companies. By combining their strengths and leveraging their respective capabilities, the two chains are poised to benefit from increased market reach, improved efficiency, and enhanced product offerings. As consumer preferences and market dynamics continue to evolve, strategic partnerships like this will play a crucial role in driving growth and success in the competitive fast-food industry.
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