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McDonald’s and Krispy Kreme to End US Doughnut Partnership

Krispy Kreme cited unsustainable cost pressures as the reason for ending the venture.

A Krispy Kreme Doughnuts logo is pictured in Burbank, California, U.S., July 1, 2021. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni/File Photo
FILE- McDonald's sign advertising Krispy Kreme Doughnuts for sale. McDonald's formed a partnership with Krispy Kreme in 2024 to sell their doughnuts.
Signage outside a McDonald's restaurant in Washington, DC, U.S., November 25, 2024. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier/File Photo

Overview

  • The companies said the partnership, announced in March 2024 and paused in May, will officially end on July 2, 2025.
  • By the time of its cancellation, Krispy Kreme doughnuts were sold in about 2,400 McDonald’s outlets despite plans to reach over 14,000 U.S. restaurants by 2026.
  • Krispy Kreme CEO Josh Charlesworth said that efforts to bring costs in line with unit demand were unsuccessful, rendering the venture unsustainable.
  • McDonald’s described the doughnut deal as a small, non-material part of its breakfast offerings, which remain a core pillar of its strategy.
  • Following the split, Krispy Kreme plans to focus on high-volume retail distribution and capital-light international franchise growth.