McDonald’s Corp. and Krispy Kreme Inc. have agreed to sell donuts nationwide in the second half of this year, with nationwide availability expected by the end of 2026, the two companies announced Tuesday.
Chicago-based McDonald’s had conducted a limited test of Charlotte, N.C.-based Krispy Kreme donut sales at nine locations in the Lexington, Ky., and Louisville, Ky., market last year, and the two companies announced in late February they would expand the partnership to 160 restaurants.
Nationwide availability at participating restaurants is expected by the end of 2026, the companies said.
Three of Krispy Kreme’s most popular donuts — original glazed, chocolate iced with sprinkles, and chocolate iced — will be delivered to McDonald’s restaurants every day. They’ll be available individually, or in boxes of six, starting at breakfast and lasting throughout the day – while supplies last, the companies said.
“Since the launch of breakfast nearly 50 years ago, we’ve continued to offer new menu items, flavors, and experiences that have made McDonald’s an irreplaceable part of fans’ morning routines,” said Tariq Hassan, McDonald’s USA’s chief marketing and customer experience pfficer, in a statement.
“This partnership is an exciting next step in that journey and a chance to unlock new business opportunities in the breakfast category and throughout the day,” Hassan said. “Our fans’ love for Krispy Kreme runs deep, and we can’t wait to make it even easier for them to satisfy their sweet tooth at McDonald’s restaurants across the country.”
Josh Charlesworth, Krispy Kreme president and CEO, added: “Partnering with McDonald’s on a national scale will provide our fans and donut lovers unprecedented daily access to fresh doughnuts and the joy that is Krispy Kreme.”
Charlesworth said the deal will more than double the outlets for Krispy Kreme donuts, which currently has about 14,000 points of access that includes retailers. The company has expanded its Delivered Fresh Daily channel, he added.
McDonald’s USA LLC, has about 13,500 U.S. restaurants.
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