PANAJI: McDonald’s has partnered with leading FMCG Company ‘ITC Ltd.’ to add a differentiated fruit beverage, ‘B Natural’ to the Happy MealTM. B Natural’s Mixed Fruit (No Added Sugar) beverage is made from fruit pulp, puree & juice of six delicious Indian fruits. It is a source of Vitamin A and Vitamin C and contains no added sugar or preservatives, states a press release.
This is yet another initiative by the brand to make its food more wholesome and nutritious. The new Happy Meal is available across all McDonald’s restaurants in West and South India. This initiative comes as a part of McDonald’s #25ActsofHappy campaign undertaken by the brand to give customers sweet surprises through the year, as it completes 25 years in the country.
Speaking on the launch of new Happy Meal, Arvind RP, Director – Marketing and Communications, McDonald’s India (West and South) said: “At McDonald’s, we have always been cognizant of the needs and demands of our ever-evolving consumers. Children are an integral part of the McDonald’s family and we are excited to bring this new wholesome Happy MealTM to them. This initiative helps us further strengthen our commitment to the Good Food Journey.”
McDonald’s India has also forged a strategic partnership with ITC to include its B Natural Beverage as a part of the Happy MealTM.
Sanjay Singal, Chief Operating Officer – Dairy and Beverages, ITC Limited, said: “At ITC Ltd, we are committed to delivering products to consumers that are differentiated and cater to their evolving needs. With consumer led and science-based products as offerings, B Natural has been at the forefront of reinventing the fruit beverage category with the introduction of beverages that are not made from concentrate, artificial colours, and preservatives.”
Speaking on the partnership, he further added: “Such brand partnerships to set new standards for the industry are indeed encouraging and exciting. We are confident that the addition of the wholesome and nutritional B Natural mixed fruit beverage with no added sugar will make the Happy Meal more enjoyable.”
Three years back, McDonald’s launched its ‘Good Food Journey’ initiative by reengineering its existing menu to make it more wholesome and nutritious. It made some significant alterations to its menu like reducing sodium content by 20% in some of its products, reducing oil content in its mayonnaise, making its patties 100% artificial preservative free, introducing the option of whole wheat buns and many more.