McDonald's claims biggest stake in US apples

McDonald’s has claimed it is the biggest distributor of apples in the US thanks to its Apple Dippers and Fruit & Walnut salad, which includes apples and grapes.

And providing healthier options has contributed to McDonald’s better-than-expected profits for the third quarter, said the US company last week.

McDonald’s strong performance comes on the back of a sales jump in Europe, where the fast-food chain pushed sandwiches and salads, according to the US-based chain. European quarter-on-quarter profits grew at nearly twice the rate of those in the US, where the healthier alternatives where first introduced.

This is the fourth consecutive quarter in which McDonald’s profits have exceeded expectations.

Bruce Weinstein, a corporate ethics advisor in the US, said: “McDonald’s tapped the zeitgeist of more widespread concern for health and its story is a great example of why taking the high road can be a good business move. The company responded to criticism by introducing healthier products, making their nutritional content available and educating the public through an aggressive public relations push.”