McDonald’s will start offering three Krispy Kreme favorites at its restaurants starting later this year|Willis Lam|CC BY-SA 2.0
Krispy Kreme and McDonald’s have teamed up to introduce donut delights to the McCafe menu, the companies announced yesterday.
The world’s largest fast-food chain will start offering three Krispy Kreme favorites—the original glazed, chocolate iced with sprinkles and chocolate iced with cream—at its restaurants starting later this year, with nationwide availability expected by 2026.
News of the partnership surged Krispy Kreme shares jumped nearly 40% to $17.35 per share—the highest since January 2022. McDonald’s shares remained steady at around $278 per share.
The rollout follows a successful trial at over 160 McDonald’s in Kentucky and Indiana.
It’s a win-win
The partnership is expected to increase McDonald’s coffee sales (because who doesn't like coffee with donuts?) and make Krispy Kreme available at roughly 13,500 new US locations in two years.
Krispy Kreme already partners with various grocery chains like Walmart and Kroger.
Such partnerships aren’t new
Remember Taco Bell’s Doritos tacos? Or Wendy’s Cinnabon treats? Now it’s time for Krispy Kreme and McDonald’s combo.
While such collaborations attract new customers and foster innovation, experts warn they might dilute brand identities. Truist analysts highlight challenges in serving rural McDonald’s locations.