McDonald’s tends to tease its American customers.
It’s not uncommon for the chain to unveil on its global menu items that Americans would really love. Sometimes, an addition overseas is a tryout for the big show, while on other occasions the company seems to be showing off for the world, while leaving out its largest market.
And in yet other cases the chain might have a marketing program with a movie, television show or other property that’s unique to part of the world. When that happens, the company simply can’t introduce the offering in America.
Currently in the U.S. McDonald’s is partnering with the upcoming “Minecraft” movie. That deal, which hits menus April 1, involves a special version of the chain’s iconic Happy Meal.
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“A ‘Minecraft Movie Meal’ features your choice of a Big Mac or 10-pc. Chicken McNuggets plus medium fries and a drink, and a limited-edition collectible,” a news release says.
“Fans who enjoy the 10-pc. Chicken McNuggets Meal also get to spice things up with Nether Flame Sauce – a limited-edition hot sauce inspired by The Nether – with crushed red pepper and flaming cayenne, balanced with hints of garlic and sweetness. Fans who want an extra kick can also add the sauce to their favorite McDonald’s order.”
McDonald’s, however, has many other Minecraft items that won’t (at least for now) be getting a U.S. release.
McDonald’s offers new versions of the McFlurry exclusive to various markets.
Image source: Shutterstock
McDonald’s seems to have more fun with its McFlurry all over the world compared with how it markets the dessert in the U.S. That might be because the American version of the McFlurry machine has been prone to breaking down.
In the rest of the world, however, the fast-food giant brings out daring McFlurry flavors quite often. It has done just that in conjunction with the “Minecraft” movie.
“McDonald’s is wild with the new Minecraft collab, and the desserts look incredible … outside of the US!” the popular Snackolator Instagram page reports. “In the UK you can get an Apple Cake McFlurry that has a sour apple sauce, cake pieces, and apple pieces blended together.”
The global innovation does not stop there.
“Canada gets a new Apple Shake that you can enjoy with your Minecraft meal. And in Singapore they are getting three cotton candy items — a McFlurry, sundae, and cone,” he added.
Many of Snackolator’s followers expressed frustration that these new McFlurry creations would not hit the U.S.
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“These sound so good! The only time i would ever go to McDonald’s and they don’t even have any of it in the U.S.” posted JacobG516.
That sentiment was echoed by JaxterOLashes96.
“How come the United States doesn’t get any creative concepts?! This would be so cool! And make it like a movie month theme kid meal line,” they added.
McDonald’s needs a global boost
McDonald’s sales have slowed globally.
In 2024, global comparable sales eased 0.1% for the full year, with comparables up 0.4% in the fourth quarter. (Comparable sales are those from outlets open at least one year.)
The numbers in the U.S., however, are worse.
In the U.S., comparable sales were down 1.4% for Q4 amid the impact of the E. coli outbreak linked to slivered onions on the chain’s Quarter Pounders.
Chief Financial Officer Ian Borden is confident that a comeback is on the way during the chain’s fourth-quarter earnings call.
“In our international operated market segment, comp sales performance this quarter was slightly positive due to mixed results across the individual markets, including negative comps in the U.K.,” he said.
“While [quick-service-restaurant] industry traffic was positive in only two of our big five markets, we had a positive comp guest count GAAP to most near-end competitors across the majority of our largest markets.”
He says the company has the recipe to turn sales around globally.
“During a difficult time for the industry, we have acted with urgency and remain steadfast in continuing to focus on what’s within our control, including refining and providing compelling value propositions, introducing exciting menu innovation, and leaning into our one McDonald’s way approach to marketing by driving brand strength, building cultural relevance, and connecting with our customers and crew in exciting ways,” he added.
Borden also shared some examples.
“For example, on our value propositions, Canada has paired Every Day Affordable Price, or EDAP, menus with strong meal bundles through the Canadian McValue menu, which features the $5.79 meal bundle and a $1 coffee EDAP offering, which drove coffee share gains in the quarter,” he shared.
