Jun 24, 2025 - Economy

McDonald's and Krispy Kreme ending doughnut partnership

Kelly Tyko

Krispy Kreme doughnut box with glazed doughnuts inside — Krispy Kreme and McDonald's are ending their partnership. Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images

Krispy Kreme and McDonald's are ending their doughnut partnership and will part ways on July 2, the companies announced jointly Tuesday.

Why it matters: The decision follows a rocky spring for both brands — and caps months of uncertainty, after Krispy Kreme paused the planned national expansion in May to "reassess" the rollout.

Catch up quick: The chains jointly announced a small-scale test in October 2022 and then said in March 2024 they planned to bring fresh doughnuts to Golden Arches restaurants nationwide by the end of 2026.

When it paused the nationwide rollout, Krispy Kreme shares fell 25%, and they remain at long-term lows today.

What they're saying: Alyssa Buetikofer, McDonald's USA's chief marketing and customer experience officer, said the partnership met the fast-food chain's expectations but noted "this needed to be a profitable business model for Krispy Kreme as well."

"Ultimately, efforts to bring our costs in line with unit demand were unsuccessful, making the partnership unsustainable for us." Krispy Kreme CEO Josh Charlesworth said in a statement.

Zoom out: Krispy Kreme said it is now turning its focus back to high-volume retail outlets and international franchising to fuel growth.

McDonald's said the doughnut business "represented a small, non-material part" its breakfast business.

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McDonald's and Krispy Kreme ending doughnut partnership

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