McDonald's Wins Over French Chef With McBaguette Sandwich - Bloomberg - 7 views
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meganbos on 12 Sep 13McDonald's has really altered there menu, like the have in other countries like Spain to really fit the local tastes. France is a great example of changing the bread and the toppings in order to appeal to more French customers- including high ranked chefs.
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i'm glad they included this bit, but of course the famous baker is not going to like the fast food version of there local favorites and it probably does not compare to some local favorites but it is a good cheap alternative.
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If using the word baguette is so terrible, would there not be public backlash from this? I would imagine that many citizens would see along the same lines of this baker which may hurt McDonald's image in France. At the same time however, many people in other regions of the world may not have the same "standards" for the word baguette, and thus McDonald's may have better feed back in other cultures that are not so familiar with french traditions.
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McDonald's has been seen as an American option and favorite- but adapting to more consumers wants and needs in the French Market will make the brand more appealing to customers who wouldn't have originally eaten at McDonalds
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Various flavor options/drink selections may be a safer route to appeal to local markets. By bringing in the tradition of the "baguette" McDonald's runs the risk of offending potential consumers-like the baker for example.
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Really interesting article about how our favorite fast food restaurant really responds well to the socio-cultural environment and adapts there products and presentation to win over the population- including famous chefs in this case.
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This fits quite well in McDonald's global strategy as they do things like that in almost every country. In the Netherlnds for example, they sell the McKroket (http://www.mcdonalds.nl/sites/default/files/produits/477x355_0005_mckroket.png) and in Germany something like a "Bratwurst Burger" (Sausage Burger) ( http://www.burgerbusiness.com/wp-content/uploads/McD_Germany_Nurnburger.jpg ). Trying to adapt to local tastes might also have a downside, though, as people from that country might be disappointed by the McDonald's copy of a dish they are very proud of (e.g. it worked well in the Netherlands but didn't in Germany).
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I think this article is really interesting because consumers do see McDonald's trying to expand into certain niches with their stores. Most McDonald's around the world have the same products, but the stores in Spain for example featured the McIberica which is similar to the McBaguette, but with a Spanish twist. I think that it is really interesting how the McBaguette is seriously taking off and am wondering if it will be featured at McDonald's in the US
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I found this article especially interesting because I studied abroad in France last semester and I have actually tried this sandwich. I can attest to the fact that French people eat baguettes daily and you can literally see people walking down the street gnawing on a huge baguette so I can see how the McDonald's Baguette sandwich would be insulting to local bakeries. On the other hand I can see what Koffmann is saying when he says that the McDonald's sandwich seems fresher just because at local bakeries they make a bunch of sandwiches then set them out on display all day and if you go to get a sandwich later in the afternoon chances are it is not going to be extremely fresh. Which is also strange to think about...McDonald's having fresh food. I think this is a great move for McDonald's because it gives them a chance to delve into other cultures.
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McDonald's innovation has always been astonishing not only to myself, but to the industry as a whole. It's quite interesting to take notice of its place as the clear industry leader, as other companies in its genre seemingly put as much effort into adapting to the market McDonalds has shaped to keep up with the titan as they have into development of innovative product campaigns to differentiate themselves. The introduction of the McBaguette is a clear example of this dynamic company's ability to mould themselves to cater to specific demographics in dramatically different cultural groups. Yet it still leads me to ask.. How did McDonalds become such an iconic brand in a way that Burger King, Wendy's and others did not?
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I've been to a few international McDonalds locations, and I think what McDonalds is introducing with the "local" spin is important for the company. They need to stay fresh and appeal to French palettes. I believe the intriguing part of international McDonalds locations is the spin on our favorite, American items. I'm a shareholder in McDonalds and from a profitability standpoint, it's important to expand the French market if it's the second leader behind the United States. I wish they offered the item here - it looks good! I have an idea Prof. King - Retailing field trip to France! We need to try this!
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McDonald's always seems to amaze me, I think it is very important to realize that any business that enters a global market needs to cater to that cultures needs and wants and McDonald's had done just that. I have been to a couple international McDonald's locations in the UK and Spain. What really stood out to me was the menu in Spain -- they offered beer and more chicken options! Although the McBaguette isn't a traditional baguette it seems that McDonald's as always caters to what the customers want.
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What stood out in my head was the woman who was offended by the breading. Rather than taking this new food item as an insult, I think that the she should realize the efforts McDonald's makes to accommodate peoples' needs. Yes, it is not the same as homemade or some bakeries, but it is up to the French people to know the difference. McDonald's is only trying to create a low priced food that appeals to people considering the hard times that they have had.
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Fantastic article. One important thing to remember for their new campaign however, is to remember the relevance of those commenting on their products. It's awesome that they were able to have the acceptance of a world-famous baker, but it would be even more influential if they could analyze cultural trends within France to see who really has an impact on the people. Is it this world known baker? Or, the friendly baker down the street. If they could grab a combination of positive expressions about their baguettes and other products, McDonald's could produce a positive message that would be received throughout various demographics of their target markets.