McDonald's and Krispy Kreme are ending US partnership due to unsustainable costs

From Yahoo Finance: 2025-06-24 09:01:00

McDonald’s and Krispy Kreme are ending their partnership in the U.S. due to unsustainable costs. The plan was for McDonald’s to sell Krispy Kreme donuts at over 14,000 stores, but only 2,400 stores had them. Krispy Kreme CEO Josh Charlesworth cited unsuccessful cost management as the reason for ending the partnership.

As part of the deal, Krispy Kreme agreed not to supply donuts to any other quick service restaurant in the U.S. until the end of 2026. Krispy Kreme withdrew its annual forecast in May and is reassessing the program with McDonald’s. Krispy Kreme shares, down 70% this year, saw a slight increase in premarket trading.

The donuts were a key part of McDonald’s breakfast menu, which the chain is trying to enhance with new items and marketing. McDonald’s stated Krispy Kreme was a small part of its breakfast business but emphasized breakfast as a core strategy.



Read more at Yahoo Finance: McDonald’s, Krispy Kreme to end US donut sale partnership as costs mount