n this photo illustration, a Krispy Kreme glazed doughnut is shown on May 12, 2022 in Daly City, California. Krispy Kreme reported strong first quarter earnings with net income of $4 million compared with a loss of $3.06 million one year ago. (Photo Illustration by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Starting March 21, McDonald's will expand its partnership with Krispy Kreme to approximately 160 locations across Louisville, Lexington, and the surrounding area.
The initiative was first launched in October at nine locations in Kentucky.
This expanded market test is designed to test customer demand for the popular sweet treats, which now includes three varieties: Krispy Kreme's Original Glazed Doughnut, Chocolate Iced with Sprinkles Doughnut, and the Raspberry Filled Doughnut.
"McDonald’s is always looking for ways to give our fans more of what they crave, and we often conduct tests to inform future menu decisions," the company said in a press release. "This small-scale test will help us understand how offering new bakery items like Krispy Kreme could impact operations in our restaurants."
McDonald's has so far benefited from customers trading down due to inflation. The company recently beat Wall Street estimates for its quarterly earnings and revenue, in large part because it was able to raise prices without scaring off customers.
Krispy Kreme, likewise, has reported strong earnings on the back of price hikes. It is also increasingly relying on distribution partnerships to reach customers such as through Walgreens, Acme, and ShopRite.
If the partnership with McDonald's continues to grow, it could become a major source of revenue for the growing doughnut business.
The former chief executive of Japanese beverage giant Suntory has acknowledged he was investigated on suspicion of possessing an illegal drug but has asserted his innocence despite resigning from his position.
Kellie Romack, Chief Digital Innovation Officer at ServiceNow, reveals the company’s latest announcement and how it’s shaping the future of work and tech.
Raina Moskowitz, CEO of The Knot Worldwide, unpacks the 2025 Global Wedding Report, from Gen Z trends to how Taylor Swift's wedding could reshape the industry.
Nestlé has dismissed its CEO Laurent Freixe after an investigation into an undisclosed relationship with a direct subordinate. The company announced on Monday that the dismissal was effective immediately. An investigation found that Freixe violated Nestlé’s code of conduct. He had been CEO for a year. Philipp Navratil, a longtime Nestlé executive, will replace him. Chairman Paul Bulcke stated that the decision was necessary to uphold the company’s values and governance. Navratil began his career with Nestlé in 2001 and has held various roles, including CEO of Nestlé's Nespresso division since 2024.