McDonald's to expand in India, China to tap fast-food fad
30 Jan 2008
Mumbai: Restaurant chain McDonald's Corporation will double its stores in India and open 125 outlets in China this year to tap the Asian fad for fast food.
McDonald's says this year it will add 140 restaurants to the 135 it currently operates across India , with focus on drive-through outlets, Tim Fenton, president for its Asia Pacific, Middle East and Europe business, said.
Half of McDonald's menu in India is vegetarian-based products, catering to local tastes.
The Oak Brook, Illinois-based company saw its fastest pace of growth in Asia-Pacific region with sales rising 12.6 per cent on extended hours and new breakfast menus.
McDonald's is adding new products to the 31,000 restaurants it operates worldwide, catering to locals tastes.
Reports, meanwhile, said McDonald's is planning to open another 150 restaurants in China next year and 175 in 2010.
McDonald's said it will continue to serve western-style meals in China because burgers and French fries still appeal to consumers. The company has 875 restaurants in China.
