Latest news with #JoshCharlesworth
Globe and Mail
03-07-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Krispy Kreme Appoints Raphael Duvivier as Chief Financial Officer
Krispy Kreme, Inc. (NASDAQ: DNUT) ('Krispy Kreme' or the 'Company') today announced that Raphael Duvivier, President, International of Krispy Kreme, has been named Chief Financial Officer, effective July 11, 2025. Mr. Duvivier succeeds Jeremiah Ashukian, who decided to leave the Company to pursue an opportunity with a private company. Since joining Krispy Kreme in 2019, Mr. Duvivier has held multiple leadership roles at the Company, including segment Chief Financial and Strategy Officer, International, and Chief Development Officer, leading international development, strategy, finance, and operations. He previously held various senior leadership positions in global finance, development, and operations at Restaurant Brands International Inc. (NYSE: QSR). Prior to that, he held leadership positions at Opus Investimentos. Mr. Duvivier has over 20 years of global experience across finance, strategy, and operations. 'Raphael has been a respected leader at Krispy Kreme for over six years, and his deep understanding of the Company coupled with his strong finance background will enable a smooth transition as we focus on achieving sustainable, profitable growth,' said Josh Charlesworth, Krispy Kreme CEO. 'I am excited to partner even more closely with Raphael and believe his experience, expertise, and leadership style will be a huge benefit as he assumes the role of Chief Financial Officer.' Additionally, Chief Product Officer Alison Holder has been promoted to Chief Brand and Product Officer effective July 11, 2025, assuming responsibility for the Company's global marketing initiatives. Ms. Holder has over 25 years of experience with Krispy Kreme, including as Senior Director of Consumer Insights, and has led brand marketing, innovation, research & development, and manufacturing services. She succeeds Chief Growth Officer David Skena who decided to leave the Company to pursue another opportunity. 'We thank Jeremiah and Dave for their contributions over the last several years and wish them both well in their new endeavors,' added Mr. Charlesworth. 'I have the utmost confidence in Raphael, Alison, and the rest of our strong team to help drive Krispy Kreme forward as we pursue U.S. expansion through high-volume retail points of distribution and capital-light international franchise growth.' About Krispy Kreme Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Krispy Kreme is one of the most beloved and well-known sweet treat brands in the world. Our iconic Original Glazed® doughnut is universally recognized for its hot-off-the-line, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Krispy Kreme operates in more than 40 countries through its unique network of fresh doughnut shops, partnerships with leading retailers, and a rapidly growing digital business. Our purpose of touching and enhancing lives through the joy that is Krispy Kreme guides how we operate every day and is reflected in the love we have for our people, our communities, and the planet. Connect with Krispy Kreme Doughnuts at and follow us on social: X, Instagram and Facebook.
New York Post
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Fan-favorite Oreo flavor makes a triumphant return for a limited time — here's how to get your hands on a pack
The people have spoken — and Oreo has listened. Oreo fans are over the moon excited about the news of a beloved flavor coming back to supermarket shelves — after an eight-year wait. Late last week, the brand shared the exciting news that Blueberry Pie Oreos will be making a comeback after being discontinued back in 2017. 3 Fans have been waiting a long 8 years for this popular cookie to make its return to supermarket shelves. Oreo However, the catch is that the delicious cookie — which consists of two graham cracker-flavored cookies with blueberry cream in the middle — will only be available for a limited time. Talk about a tease. As a result, fans of this popular flavor are anxiously waiting on the edge of their seats in anticipation for their July 7 release in stores across the country. While waiting, fans had the option to register on the company's website for presale access from June 26 through today. 3 Customers have the option to sign up for pre-sale access for cookies. Instagram/@oreo The excitement over the pie-inspired cookies — which is supposedly one of the brand's 'top five flavors' according to a press release — made waves across social media. Oreos kept the excitement going with a hilarious caption on an Instagram post that read: 'You win. Now please stop yelling at us. Blueberry Pie OREO Cookies BACK on shelves 7/7.' Based on the hundreds of comments on the post, the company clearly wasn't kidding when they said customers were begging for the return of this flavor. 'WE DID IT GUYS,' read one comment. 'when brands actually listen to their fan base >>>>,' wrote one pleased customer. 'We winnnnnn!!!!!!' chimed in another excited fan. 3 The pie-flavored cookies will be back on supermarket shelves on July 7 — until they sell out. Bloomberg via Getty Images The cookies will remain available while supplies last — so mark your calendars and set your alarms for their July 7th return. In other not-so-great news regarding sweets — McDonald's and doughnut maker Krispy Kreme announced last week that they're ending their partnership after only one year. Supposedly, the deal was unsustainable for both companies The plan was for McDonald's to feature the famous chain's doughnuts on its breakfast menu. 'Ultimately, efforts to bring our costs in line with unit demand were unsuccessful, making the partnership unsustainable for us,' said Krispy Kreme CEO Josh Charlesworth. This partnership will end next month.
Forbes
26-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
McDonald's & Krispy Kreme Split: Fast Food Collab Lessons
McDonald's will end its Krispy Kreme pilot program on July 2 after an 18-month trial. The doughnut deal is done. After a short-lived run that sparked buzz but didn't hold up logistically, McDonald's and Krispy Kreme are parting ways—with a reminder that brand fandom alone can't carry a business model. The Doughnut Deal That Didn't Last McDonald's and Krispy Kreme are parting ways on July 2, quietly ending a doughnut partnership that once promised big things. They first teamed up in 2022 to bring Krispy Kreme to McDonald's nationwide, but after just 18 months, the trial is done. What this really shows is a simple truth fast food keeps learning: even a wildly popular idea, loved by fans, needs more than hype to stick. In a Q1 2025 earnings call, Krispy Kreme CEO Josh Charlesworth explained the decision, pointing to a steep drop in demand following the initial launch. While the doughnuts performed well during the early marketing push, sales didn't hold. The numbers simply didn't justify the operational complexity it added to McDonald's restaurants. Charlesworth noted that the model wasn't profitable—and the effort wasn't sustainable. Strong Buzz, Short Shelf Life In the early phases of the partnership, there were signs of momentum. According to YouGov BrandIndex data, McDonald's saw a measurable uptick in favorability among Krispy Kreme fans. Both satisfaction and consideration scores rose from late 2022 through early 2024, peaking during the national rollout. The buzz was real, and it reflected a kind of brand halo effect—consumers liked the idea of the partnership, and it generated genuine goodwill. But that initial bump in good feeling didn't last. The enthusiasm faded fast, and it didn't turn into steady traffic or doughnut sales. This is where 'brand love' hits the reality of the business. Unlike quick viral promotions, this partnership needed serious day-to-day support: delivery, storage, and constant effort from McDonald's. Simply put, there just wasn't enough customer demand to make all that operational heavy lifting worth it. Why This Collab Failed to Stick Unlike attention-grabbing limited-time promotions, such as the popular Minecraft and Pokemon Happy Meals—this partnership was built to be ongoing. It was never meant to be a novelty moment. But that might have been part of the challenge. Perhaps the reality is that the role of Krispy Kreme doughnuts on the McDonald's menu was too minor to meaningfully impact foot traffic. Most customers weren't making a trip solely for doughnuts, and McDonald's already has a stacked breakfast lineup. Without sustained demand, the added complexity created more friction than value. For Krispy Kreme, the costs of servicing McDonald's locations simply outweighed the return. It all comes down to this: When logistics don't work, love can't bridge the gap. Strong brand love, while nice, can't replace operational ease, and that feel-good sentiment doesn't always result in sales that stick for the long haul. A Sign of the Moment This exit lines up with McDonald's broader simplification efforts. Across the industry, fast food chains are rethinking the complexity that's crept into their menus over the past decade—and stepping away from concepts that are expensive to maintain, even if they're popular on paper. As for Krispy Kreme, the pullback reflects a pivot to what Charlesworth called a 'more capital-efficient model,' with a focus on branded shops, grocery expansion, and strategic partnerships where the logistics pencil out. This exit lines up with McDonald's broader simplification efforts... That doesn't mean crossovers are over—but it does suggest they'll be smaller, sharper, and more cautious than they were in the peak mashup era. The message is clear: the age of relying purely on a fun idea or fan excitement is fading. Future fast food collabs will need to prove their real-world value from day one.
Newsweek
26-06-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
McDonald's Menu is Changing: What to Know
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. McDonald's has announced it will stop selling Krispy Kreme doughnuts at its U.S. restaurants starting July 2, ending a joint effort that company leaders described as ultimately "unsustainable." The decision comes as McDonald's launches a series of menu changes—including new desserts, value meals, and the return of the Snack Wrap—affecting restaurants nationwide. The Krispy Kreme partnership, which began in 2022 and expanded in early 2024, supplied doughnuts to around 2,400 McDonald's restaurants across the country. FILE- McDonald's sign advertising Krispy Kreme Doughnuts for sale. McDonald's formed a partnership with Krispy Kreme in 2024 to sell their doughnuts. FILE- McDonald's sign advertising Krispy Kreme Doughnuts for sale. McDonald's formed a partnership with Krispy Kreme in 2024 to sell their doughnuts. Getty Images Why It Matters The end of Krispy Kreme sales at McDonald's signals a shift in the fast-food giant's menu strategy as it faces rising costs and changing consumer preferences. McDonald's recent menu overhauls—including the launch of a McValue menu and new limited-time items—reflect growing competition and heightened price sensitivity among U.S. diners. The move also impacts customers who had enjoyed expanded doughnut options at McDonald's, while offering insight into how restaurant partnerships navigate supply chain and profitability pressures. What To Know McDonald's will discontinue the sale of Krispy Kreme doughnuts at its restaurants nationwide after July 2. The companies jointly characterized the partnership as "strong collaboration" but said the business arrangement was not profitable for Krispy Kreme—a conclusion reached after trying to address costs and demand. Krispy Kreme CEO Josh Charlesworth said: "Ultimately, efforts to bring our costs in line with unit demand were unsuccessful, making the partnership unsustainable for us." McDonald's had initially announced plans in March 2024 to offer three flavors of Krispy Kreme doughnuts, with ambitious rollout expectations through 2026. However, several months later, leaders from both companies decided to suspend further expansion and end the current supply arrangement, citing profitability challenges. New Menu Additions for 2025 The menu changes at McDonald's extend beyond the removal of doughnuts. This summer, several new and returning items are debuting or expanding on U.S. menus. These include: 2025 HERSHEY'S S'mores McFlurry , available starting June 10, blending vanilla soft serve, HERSHEY'S Milk Chocolate, graham crackers, and marshmallows (McDonald's USA, June 5, 2025). , available starting June 10, blending vanilla soft serve, HERSHEY'S Milk Chocolate, graham crackers, and marshmallows (McDonald's USA, June 5, 2025). Lemonade as a permanent menu item, featuring real lemon juice and cane sugar, now available nationwide. as a permanent menu item, featuring real lemon juice and cane sugar, now available nationwide. Squishmallows Happy Meals , with collectible toys and associated digital experiences, restocked in May for a limited time. , with collectible toys and associated digital experiences, restocked in May for a limited time. Oreo Shamrock McFlurry returning for a limited run from February 10, blending OREO pieces with Shamrock Shake syrup and soft serve. Value Menu Expansion and Promotions In its largest menu update in years, McDonald's launched an expanded McValue menu in January 2025, featuring eight items across breakfast and the rest of the day. Customers can mix and match select menu items via a "buy one, add one for $1" promotion, which CEO Joe Erlinger described as the company's effort to deliver more options amid inflation and increased menu prices. The expanded value offers follow a period in which McDonald's reported a 40 percent average menu price increase since 2019 and sluggish sales growth in recent quarters. These deals are intended to help attract and retain price-sensitive customers. Snack Wrap Comeback After Customer Demand Another major change coming in summer 2025 is the return of the McDonald's Snack Wrap. Removed from menus in 2016 to streamline kitchen operations, the Snack Wrap will reappear in U.S. restaurants on July 10, in fried chicken Ranch and Spicy flavors. McDonald's highlighted the persistent customer demand and social media campaigns that fueled its revival, including a petition with nearly 19,000 signatures. The new version focuses exclusively on fried chicken, diverging from original offerings that included grilled versions and multiple sauces, in a move aimed at operational simplicity and speed. International Changes and Rewards McDonald's restaurants in the U.K. are also cycling in new items in 2025 and expanded their MyMcDonald's Rewards program. What People Are Saying Alyssa Buetikofer, McDonald's USA's Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer, said: "We were excited and pleased to partner with Krispy Kreme. We had strong collaboration with Krispy Kreme and they delivered a great, high-quality product for us, and while the partnership met our expectations for McDonald's and Owner/Operators, this needed to be a profitable business model for Krispy Kreme as well." What Happens Next Krispy Kreme has announced plans to expand distribution to other retail and international outlets following the end of the McDonald's deal.
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Krispy Kreme, McDonald's End Partnership, Citing Profitability Concerns
Krispy Kreme and McDonald's announced an end to their partnership on Tuesday, just over a year after it was announced. McDonald's said the collaboration met its standards, but the doughnut maker said it became "unsustainable" to grow the partnership profitably. Krispy Kreme said last month that it would stop expanding to new McDonald's Kreme (DNUT) and McDonald's (MCD) on Tuesday announced an end to their partnership, effective July 2, as the doughnut maker said it was unable to continue scaling it profitably. Krispy Kreme CEO Josh Charlesworth said that after expanding to some 2,400 McDonald's locations, the company's "efforts to bring our costs in line with unit demand were unsuccessful, making the partnership unsustainable for us." "We had strong collaboration with Krispy Kreme and they delivered a great, high-quality product for us, and while the partnership met our expectations for McDonald's and Owner/Operators, this needed to be a profitable business model for Krispy Kreme as well," McDonald's USA Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer Alyssa Buetikofer said. Krispy Kreme said it would shift its focus to its "two largest opportunities: profitable U.S. expansion through high-volume retail points of distribution and capital-light international franchise growth." The companies said in March 2024 that they planned to make Krispy Kreme doughnuts available in every McDonald's location in the U.S. by the end of 2026. However, Krispy Kreme said in its first-quarter earnings release last month that it planned to stop bringing its products to more McDonald's "while it works to achieve a profitable business model for all parties." McDonald's and Krispy Kreme shares were little changed soon after markets opened Tuesday. Read the original article on Investopedia Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
