Krispy Kreme seeks to fill the hole left by abandoned McDonald’s deal

The US doughnut and coffee chain is banking that new corporate accounts will strengthen its balance sheet after ending an underwhelming distribution deal with the US fast-food giant last year

Announcing its expanded national partnership with McDonald’s in March 2024, Krispy Kreme CEO Josh Charlesworth heralded the move as a major win and forecast that the tie-up would double its global points of access – retail channels where its products can be purchased – by the end of 2026.

Just over a year later, after expanding distribution to just 2,400 of a planned 13,500 US McDonald’s restaurants, the two businesses ended the partnership – with Charlesworth citing lower-than-expected consumer demand and difficulties adjusting fixed costs.

However, Krispy Kreme has not given up hope of securing new high-value, large corporate accounts and has appointed a first Chief Commercial Officer to deliver them.