Tag Archives: McDonald’s

Macy’s, McDonald’s and Anticipation

Posted on November 4, 2010 by Pavone Food

If you’ve been in a department store lately, the decorated trees, garland and gift wrap have made you acutely aware that Christmas is practically here.  I almost fell over when I heard the piped-in Christmas music playing in Macy’s a couple nights ago. I wasn’t the only shopper who was shocked—horrified, really– by the prematurity of the music, which has, to the best of my recollection, traditionally been held back until Black Friday.  I just wasn’t ready.  I love Christmas and would like to anticipate it, but Macy’s stole that from me.

My thoughts quickly went to food, as they almost always do.  I pondered the seasonality of certain products—and the appeal of anticipating their arrival.

It was that very same day that McDonald’s rolled-out the legendary McRib sandwich nationwide.  Until then, the barbeque sauce-covered, molded pork specialty has been available only in certain regional pockets, which has driven fans to seek it out obsessively.  Not only do they travel great distances to enjoy the McRib’s unique deliciousness, they have created websites to track its (until now) relatively sparse availability.  (Consider that there are more than 300 Facebook pages that are dedicated to the product!)  While the product is now served nationwide, that’s only the case through December 5th.  Read more...

Posted in General | Tagged anticipation, McDonald's, McRib, Shamrock Shake | 8 Comments

What McDonald’s Knows

Posted on September 13, 2010 by Pavone Food

The SnackWrap has been wildly successful. Sales have exceeded the projected forecast by 18% and test market results by 21%–and that was before the Angus varieties were added to the mix.

The Snack-Size McFlurry launch has also exceeded expectations.  Sales have been “tremendous,” according to McDonald’s spokesperson and the product has actually boosted performance of other frozen treats.

The company’s venture into specialty coffee and smoothie bars is expected to increase sales at each store by well over $125,000.00 annually.  Coffee sales are up 38% so far this year, on top of a 25% increase in 2009.

So what does McDonald’s know?

McDonald’s has mastered the snack.  A full 87% of U.S. consumers admit to eating and drinking between meals, according to The NPD Group.  In addition, 30% have started eating mini meals throughout the day (instead of three main meals), and another 25% desire to do so.

McDonald’s has updated its menu to include snacks that are hearty in some cases and decadent in others.  Some are even healthy. The QSR behemoth knows that nutrition and health are considerations for half of the snacking occasions and in response has added fruit smoothies, snack-size fruit and yogurt parfaits and fresh apple slices to their offerings. Of course, making healthier choices can simply mean eating smaller portions—and all of the snack-size products deliver on that front.  Read more...

Posted in General | Tagged McDonald's, snack | 1 Comment