Mcdonald’s may have started as a small restaurant in Des Plaines Illinois, but it has become arguably the most well-known of restaurants on the planet. It’s presence in Canada, in particular, is huge, and it continues to grow. Of course, no business reaches this level of success without working with some great partners. Mcdonald’s is no different. In fact, Mcdonald’s has partnered with several companies across different industries in its efforts to grow, and continue to please its customers. Several of these companies have made Canada home base. Take a look at ten of the business partners Mcdonald’s has worked with in recent years.
Canadian Roundtable
Mcdonald’s is the largest purchaser of ground beef in Canada. Not only is that indicative of their success but it’s also a great responsibility. The production of beef has an impact on the environment, and it is imperative that sustainable practices are defined and adhered to. This is why Mcdonald’s has partnered with the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef. This is a consortium of farmers, agribusiness, processors, and others who define sustainability practices as they relate to the production, processing, sale, and transportation of beef.
Skip the Dishes
A few months ago, Mcdonald’s celebrated Mcdelivery Day all over the world. They partnered with food delivery mega-company Uber Eats to make this happen. Now, Mcdonald’s Canada has decided to continue the delivery tradition. This time they are partnering with Canada-based food delivery firm Skip The Dishes. Through this partnership, Mcdonald’s has been able to expand their delivery offerings to several major cities in Canada.
Colleges Ontario
Sometimes it isn’t about creating a new product or earning more money. Sometimes partnerships are about investing in the future and giving back to the community. This is what Mcdonald’s Canada has done through its partnership with Colleges Ontario.
Through this partnership with Colleges Ontario, students who go through Mcdonald’s training program will be eligible for a first-year credit in Business Administration at one of the many colleges throughout Ontario. The potential savings for students could be in the thousands.
Kraft Canada
Canadians who crave Mcdonald’s famously hot, strong coffee in the morning no longer have to make the trek to the nearest restaurant. Instead, they can brew Mcdonald's coffee at home or at work. This is because Mcdonald’s Canada partnered with Kraft Canada to bag their coffee and sell it in Canadian grocery stores. Now, their McCafe premium roast coffees are sold in grounds, pods, and discs at stores all over Canada.
Brainberry
Canadian digital solutions provider Brainberry has had partnerships with many notable companies across the globe. One of the most exciting has been their work with Mcdonald’s. Brainberry was the driving force behind an internet marketing effort touting one of Mcdonald’s products. One of Brainberry offices is situated in Canada, so it will be exciting to see if they partner with Mcdonald’s Canada, or team up with another major corporation on Canadian soil.
Saputo
Cheeseburgers, The Fillet O Fish, McFlurry, Frappes, and many other dishes on Mcdonald’s menu all have one thing in common. They contain cheese or other dairy products. While Mcdonald’s works with several dairy suppliers across Canada to get most of their dairy products, they rely on one company to provide their cheese. All of it comes from Saputo. This is a Montreal based firm that produces cheese and other cultured, dairy products.
McCain
While there are several potato farms that provide the potatoes for Mcdonald’s french fries and hash browns, only one company cuts and prepares those famously tasty Mcdonald’s fries. McCain is Canada's largest maker of frozen potato products. While other companies supply Mcdonald’s with potato products globally, McCain remains the only potato company that Mcdonald’s Canada works with.
Tribal DDB
Mcdonald’s Canada appointed Tribal to be its agency of record when it comes to digital advertising. For a period of time, the Toronto branch of this agency handled Mcdonald’s Canada’s creative and strategic efforts on web and mobile. They were involved in the launch of McCafe coffees in Canada as well as the rebranding of the Mcdonalds.ca website.
Mother Parkers
Mother Parkers is an Ontario-based coffee and tea supplier which has contracted with Mcdonald’s Canada to be its primary supplier of coffee. The head of Mcdonald's Canada has issued Mother Parkers high praise for being an integral part of the launch of McCafe coffee as well as its premium roast coffee program. In addition to this, the company is a partner in Mcdonalds Ronald Mcdonald House Charities program.
Cargill
If Mcdonald’s is famous for one thing, that would be its hamburgers. Cargill, based in Alberta supplies every Mcdonald’s in Canada with its frozen beef patties. They have been partnered with Mcdonald’s since 2004.
Final Thoughts
It’s clear that Mcdonald’s in Canada and elsewhere has formed strong partnerships with several Canadian firms. These companies are responsible for supplying the fast food giant with food, technical services, and have assisted Mcdonald’s in their efforts towards improved corporate citizenship.