McDonald's canceled its plans to hand out free samples of its new Real Fruit Smoothies, saying the drinks already were selling well enough and there was no need to worry operators that supplies wouldn’t last.
McDonald's launched the smoothies July 13 and planned to hand out samples this week, July 22-24. The Oak Brook, Ill.-based company, which operates and franchises more than 14,000 restaurants in the United States, said it was considering whether to reschedule the promotion.
“The McCafe Real Fruit Smoothies are an absolute hit with our customers, and we’re experiencing unprecedented demand for this delicious new choice on our menu,” said Neil Golden, chief marketing officer for McDonald’s USA. “Due to the overwhelming popularity and to ensure continued supply to meet our customers’ needs, we will not be executing the national in-restaurant sampling event … as previously communicated. However, all other national promotional activities, including coupons, will be accepted at participating restaurants.”
The smoothies, which join McCafe Frappes as the latest introduction to McDonald’s upscale line of beverages, were unveiled at a promotional event during the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia, earlier this year and tested in several markets before rolling out nationwide this week.
“Working with our franchisees and suppliers, we will be reviewing the potential of rescheduling the national in-restaurant smoothie sampling event for a later date,” Golden said. “We thank our customers for their business and continued support of McCafe.”
Contact Mark Brandau at [email protected].
