Burger giant McDonald’s and famous doughnut chain Krispy Kreme recently announced a partnership that will bring a selection of Krispy Kreme doughnuts to McDonald’s locations across the U.S. The collaboration follows a successful pilot program in Kentucky and is expected to be rolled out nationally by the end of 2026. Strong brand partnerships can help companies gain exposure and attract new audiences, but also come with risks.
Krispy Kreme is likely to benefit the most from this collaboration, as McDonald’s has a much larger presence with over 13,500 U.S. locations compared to Krispy Kreme’s less than 400. The partnership will significantly increase Krispy Kreme’s reach, but also poses challenges in terms of supply chain and logistics. Krispy Kreme’s President and CEO, Josh Charlesworth, expects the partnership to double the brand’s points of access by the end of 2026.
For McDonald’s, the deal grants exclusive rights to supply Krispy Kreme donuts in its fast-food outlets, providing fresh content for its menu, especially during breakfast. With Krispy Kreme attracting a different demographic with higher disposable income, McDonald’s hopes to appeal to doughnut enthusiasts and drive them into their restaurants. The announcement of the partnership saw Krispy Kreme’s shares rise by 29%, while McDonald’s shares remained stable.
Collaborations between franchise brands in the food industry are common and can be mutually beneficial. The partnership between McDonald’s and Krispy Kreme offers both companies an opportunity to reach new audiences and generate new ideas. However, there is a risk of alienating existing fans and diluting brand identity. As the rollout of Krispy Kreme doughnuts in McDonald’s locations progresses over the next two and a half years, it will be interesting to see how both brands navigate this collaboration and whether it leads to success.
The partnership between McDonald’s and Krispy Kreme marks a new venture for both brands and has the potential to enhance their market presence and offerings. It will be interesting to see how the two iconic franchises work together to bring the beloved taste of Krispy Kreme doughnuts to McDonald’s customers nationwide. With the successful pilot in Kentucky as a promising start, the upcoming national rollout will be closely watched to see if both brands can achieve the sweet taste of success with this collaboration.
