McDonald’s and Krispy Kreme announced on Tuesday that they have entered into a partnership that will see the iconic doughnuts sold at McDonald’s restaurants nationwide by the end of 2026. This expansion of the partnership is expected to more than double the points of access for Krispy Kreme, allowing their beloved doughnuts to be enjoyed by even more fans.
The three flavors of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts that will be available at McDonald’s include the original glazed, chocolate iced with sprinkles, and chocolate iced “kreme” filled. The sweet treats will be available throughout the day, with deliveries being made daily to ensure freshness. Customers will have the option to purchase the doughnuts individually or in boxes of six, making it a perfect shareable snack for friends and family.
While the phased rollout of the doughnuts at McDonald’s will begin later this year, this is not the first time that the two companies have tested this partnership. In February 2023, a smaller-scale test was conducted at 160 McDonald’s locations in Kentucky. This initial test was successful, prompting the companies to explore the possibility of nationwide availability.
This partnership is a significant move for both McDonald’s and Krispy Kreme. McDonald’s adds a popular and highly sought-after item to their menu, further expanding their offerings and catering to the preferences of their customers. This move also aligns with McDonald’s strategy of partnering with other brands to diversify and enhance their menu.
Similarly, for Krispy Kreme, this partnership is a major opportunity for growth. With the expanded reach of McDonald’s, Krispy Kreme will be able to access a much larger customer base and increase its distribution density. This is expected to lead to increased production and operational efficiency, which will ultimately benefit the company’s bottom line.
Krispy Kreme CEO Josh Charlesworth expressed his excitement about the partnership and its potential impact on the company. He explained that the partnership will help them fulfill their goal of making Krispy Kreme doughnuts accessible nationwide. With this partnership, they hope to more than double their points of access by the end of 2026.
To prepare for the expansion, Krispy Kreme has invested in scaling its supply chain, building a support team, and introducing new technology and equipment. This will enable them to meet the increased demand for their doughnuts and ensure that they are delivered fresh to McDonald’s restaurants daily.
The response from investors has been overwhelmingly positive, with shares of Krispy Kreme spiking by as much as 16% in premarket trading on Tuesday. This indicates that investors see the partnership as a strategic move that will benefit both companies in the long run.
This partnership between McDonald’s and Krispy Kreme is not the only recent collaboration between fast-food chains and popular pastry brands. Rival chain Wendy’s recently announced a partnership with Cinnabon, adding a new menu item to their breakfast menu called the Cinnabon Pull-Apart. This shows the increasing trend of fast-food chains collaborating with other brands to diversify their offerings and attract more customers.
