A popular collaboration between two American brands is coming to an end. Krispy Kreme and McDonald’s have officially announced the end of their partnership.
The Doughnut-McDonald’s Trial Period
The partnership began as a limited test in October 2022, starting with a few McDonald’s locations in the Louisville, Kentucky area. Due to positive feedback, the pilot expanded in 2023 to include approximately 160 restaurants in total. McDonald’s restaurants participating in the trial offered three of Krispy Kreme’s most popular varieties: the Original Glazed, Chocolate Iced with Sprinkles, and the Raspberry-Filled. These doughnuts were delivered fresh daily and made available in-store and via the drive-thru, sparking excitement from loyal Krispy Kreme fans who appreciated the added convenience.
Why the Partnership Is Ending
Despite the initial success and positive customer reactions, the companies have jointly decided not to expand the test further or continue the collaboration. In a public statement, McDonald’s confirmed the conclusion of the test run, stating it had helped the brand gather valuable insights into how baked goods perform on their menu. Krispy Kreme also released a statement, expressing gratitude for the collaboration and confirming that the decision to conclude the partnership was mutual. According to the doughnut company, the test was always intended as a limited-time offering to better understand how their products could be distributed through different channels.
Customer Response and Market Impacts
Fans who enjoyed the combination of Krispy Kreme doughnuts with their McDonald’s meals were understandably disappointed by the news. Social media users expressed their frustration, with many hoping the decision would be reconsidered in the future. Industry experts noted that the partnership was an interesting experiment in brand collaboration, one that might inspire future foodservice innovations. By teaming up, McDonald’s and Krispy Kreme had the opportunity to cross-market their products and explore new distribution strategies. However, scaling the logistics of delivering fresh doughnuts daily to hundreds—or even thousands—of fast food outlets would have required significant investment. Ultimately, both companies seem to have decided that the challenges outweighed the benefits at this time.
What’s Next for Krispy Kreme?
Krispy Kreme has been expanding its reach through other strategic partnerships and distribution methods. The company has emphasized its focus on “delivered fresh daily” models, aiming to make its doughnuts more widely available through convenience stores, grocery outlets, and direct delivery services. In fact, Krispy Kreme is already working with other major retailers like Walmart, where customers can purchase boxed doughnuts in stores. This approach allows the brand to reach a broader audience without relying solely on standalone locations or fast-food partnerships.
Conclusion: A Short-Lived But Memorable Collaboration
While the Krispy Kreme and McDonald’s partnership may have been brief, it demonstrated the potential for collaboration between beloved food brands. Though fans will no longer be able to pick up a Krispy Kreme treat at their local McDonald’s, both companies remain focused on growth and innovation. For now, doughnut lovers will have to seek out their sweet fix elsewhere—but the idea of combining favorite brands in new ways remains as appealing as ever.
