In a move that’s bound to excite dessert lovers, McDonald’s has announced a partnership that will see Krispy Kreme doughnuts sold in its restaurants across the United States by the end of 2026. This sweet collaboration is the result of a successful pilot program and is poised to significantly expand Krispy Kreme’s footprint while enhancing McDonald’s breakfast and bakery offerings.
The rollout, slated to begin in the latter half of this year, is a strategic move by both companies. Krispy Kreme will more than double its distribution capacity to meet the demands of the partnership, while McDonald’s will become the exclusive fast-food partner for Krispy Kreme in the U.S. during the agreement’s duration. This partnership is not just about adding a delicious treat to the menu; it’s a testament to the power of strategic brand collaboration.
Krispy Kreme’s ‘hub and spoke’ distribution model, which involves production hubs delivering fresh doughnuts daily to various retail locations, will be the backbone of this operation. The doughnut chain’s CEO, Josh Charlesworth, expressed confidence in servicing about 6,000 McDonald’s restaurants with their existing infrastructure and has plans to expand capacity to reach all McDonald’s locations.
The partnership is a major opportunity for Krispy Kreme, which currently delivers to 6,800 third-party stores. With McDonald’s roughly 13,500 restaurants and plans to open 900 more by 2027, the doughnut chain’s reach is set to soar. Charlesworth highlighted the efficiency and productivity gains expected from the partnership, noting that the distribution network will improve not just from local deliveries but also from the increased volume and reduced waste.
Krispy Kreme shops often produce more doughnuts than they can sell, leading to excess capacity. The additional demand from McDonald’s means that Krispy Kreme can increase production volumes with minimal additional costs, making the system more profitable. Charlesworth aptly described McDonald’s as an ‘accelerator’ of Krispy Kreme’s growth in the fresh daily delivery channel.
The relationship between the two chains began about a year and a half ago with a test at nine McDonald’s restaurants. The pilot expanded to approximately 160 locations in Kentucky, with customer demand surpassing expectations. These initial restaurants will continue to sell doughnuts during the national rollout.
For McDonald’s, the addition of Krispy Kreme doughnuts is a strategic enhancement to its bakery and breakfast offerings. As the burger chain focuses on its coffee offerings, a perfect complement to doughnuts, it has streamlined other bakery items from its menu. Customers will be able to indulge in the original glazed, chocolate iced with sprinkles, and chocolate iced cream-filled doughnuts, available all day, either individually or in packs of six.
This partnership is more than a mere menu addition; it’s a strategic alliance that promises to deliver growth, efficiency, and sweet satisfaction to both companies and their customers. As the rollout progresses, doughnut enthusiasts and fast-food aficionados alike have much to look forward to in the coming years.
