McDonald’s has decided to scrap selling Bill Gates’ synthetic meat burgers after millions of customers complained that the fake meat product tasted disgusting and made them feel ill.
Joe Erlinger, McDonald’s U.S. president, told the Wall Street Journal Global Food Forum that the burger was a huge flop with customers.
Greatgameindia.com reports: Following the failure of a test of its McPlant burger in San Francisco and Dallas, a top executive at McDonald’s has stated that the company has no intentions to reinstate plant-based choices.
“It was not successful in either market,” said Joe Erlinger, McDonald’s U.S. president, during the Wall Street Journal Global Food Forum in Chicago on Wednesday.
Erlinger stated that American consumers do not come to McDonald’s asking for a McPlant burger or other plant-based proteins. The chain previously collaborated with Beyond Meat to create McPlant burgers and nuggets.
Plant-based foods are currently off the menu, although Erlinger would not rule out the idea of salads returning in the future. This will be determined by whether or not there is sufficient customer demand.
“If people really want salads from McDonald’s, we will gladly relaunch salads,” Erlinger said. “But what our experience has proven is that’s not what the consumer is looking for from McDonald’s.” Instead, consumers are looking for french fries, $5 meal deals, and hot, fresh sandwiches, he added.
On Tuesday, June 25, McDonald’s officially introduced their $5 package, which is anticipated to last about four weeks. The bargain includes a McChicken or McDouble, small fries, a small drink, and a four-count McNugget meal.
In the value meal competition, McDonald’s is relying on more than just its bundle to recoup lost customers due to rising inflation. The restaurant is also offering free french fries every Friday until the end of 2024, as long as customers buy at least $1 using the mobile app.
Other eating giants, such as Wendy’s, Burger King, and Starbucks, have also created promotional campaigns to entice customers to return.
Meanwhile, McDonald’s announced intentions to focus on chicken as protein consumption boosts demand.
“We sell more chicken today as a brand than we do beef,” said Erlinger, who was 30 when he worked as a manager at a McDonald’s in Chicago. “We’re poised to serve that trend well and that’s where we’re making investments.”
