The company is currently modernising its production and delivery systems to ensure a daily supply of fresh doughnuts. Credit: grandbrothers/Shutterstock.

Krispy Kreme is reportedly preparing for a significant expansion of its operations with the launch of its doughnuts in McDonald’s locations across the US. 

According to the EconoTimes, the launch will begin in autumn 2024 in Chicago, Illinois.

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The move will reach 1,000 McDonald’s restaurants by the end of the year with plans to add 5,000 more in 2025 and another 6,000 by 2026, covering 85% of McDonald’s US footprint. 

Krispy Kreme CEO Josh Charlesworth stated that the company is currently modernising its doughnut manufacturing processes. A specialised team is working with customers, including McDonald’s, to ensure a smooth rollout.  

The brand is focusing on upgrading production lines, hiring and training manufacturing experts, and continuously refining its manufacturing techniques.  

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Krispy Kreme is also enhancing its delivery logistics by improving its fleet and routing to enhance distribution capabilities and bolster the efficiency of production centres. 

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QSR noted that the partnership between Krispy Kreme and McDonald’s, which was announced in March 2024, follows a successful test at 160 McDonald’s locations in Kentucky.  

Customers will have a choice of three Krispy Kreme doughnuts available at McDonald’s each day: Chocolate Iced with Sprinkles, Original Glazed and Chocolate Iced Kreme Filled. All can be purchased individually or in six-packs while supplies last. 

Charlesworth said in Krispy Kreme’s second quarter of 2024 earnings call: “We have a dedicated cross-functional team there to make sure the facilities and our people are ready. In fact, we’re also making improvements to the production lines and even doing our best to improve productivity and up our game as we go.  

“We’re very focused on delivering a really high-quality service to the McDonald’s restaurants so that people get awesome fresh doughnuts every day at the same quality level they expect in Krispy Kreme and other channels.” 

To support expansion, Krispy Kreme is also increasing its points of access from an average of 50 served by 151 US centres to more than 100 points of access by 2026. 

The company plans to distribute doughnuts to 450 new locations, matching the number of its production hubs. 

Additionally, Krispy Kreme plans to establish 30 new centres up to 2027 to improve access in underserved areas, with 17 facilities already in progress.