McDonald's Food Innovation is Cooking -- Overseas
One reason McDonald's (MCD) is seeing higher sales while other burger chains flounder is it's got some creative menu items overseas. Here at home, we're stuck with retreads like the recent reintroduction of the McRib, while in Germany, they get cupcakes. No joke.
Sales at Jack in the Box, (JACK) Sonic, (SONC) Wendy's/Arby's (WEN) and Carl's Jr. are down, while McDonald's was up 5.3 percent. Here at home, new McDonald's items have included smoothies and oatmeal... yawn. Not sure why the burger leader is saving its menu innovation for the overseas crowd.
Here's a look at some of the creative food Mickey D's is dishing up abroad that diners back home aren't seeing:
- Germany: In addition to the aforementioned cupcakes -- like those wouldn't be popular in the U.S.? -- Germany added a bratwurst sandwich known as the Nurnburger.
- England and Ireland: The upscale "M" burger dresses up with a fresh bakery roll instead of the usual institutional bun.
- Australia: The Angus the Third burger differentiates with its secret sauce: tomato-chile relish.
- Japan: Salt & Lemon Chicken is a hit here. Burger Business reports the chicken entree is shellacking Burger King's three-patty Rodeo Whopper. That kind of food overkill apparently doesn't work as well in Asia, where they're used to sane portions.
- Hong Kong: Selling Americana, McDonald's presents a Chicken Bacon Deluxe as a taste of the States. A fleet of American-looking yellow cabs is driving around promoting the chicken sandwich by handing out coupons and offering free rides to the golden arches. The chicken dish is part of a whole fancy "M Selections" menu category they also have in Australia.
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