McDonald’s® Canada Enters Nation's Fastest-Growning Beverage Category with National Launch of McCafe Real Fruit Smoothies

Quick-service leader builds on McCafe success and sets sights on estimated 212 Million smoothie market

TORONTO, ON (March 28, 2012) – Today, McDonald’s Canada is taking the next step in its beverage growth strategy with the national launch of McCafé Real Fruit Smoothies. The company’s goal is to establish a leadership position in one of the country’s fastest growing beverage categories, with an estimated 61 million smoothies served to Canadians last year.2 The introduction of Real Fruit Smoothies is part of the evolution of the McCafé brand, which has been a strong contributor to the company’s position as Canada’s number one quick service restaurant in terms of comparable sales three years in a row.

With the introduction of Real Fruit Smoothies – made with real fruit purée, low-fat yogurt and blended ice – McDonald’s Canada is bringing delicious and refreshing smoothies to the Canadian mainstream with the quality, convenience and value only McDonald’s can provide.

“From Real Fruit Smoothies, to authentic espresso-based beverages, Canadians are truly embracing our McCafé brand and telling us they’re lovin’ it,” said John Betts, President and CEO of McDonald’s Canada. “Our continued focus is on building strong beverage credentials and on gaining a greater share of the very sizeable Canadian beverage market.”

McCafé Real Fruit Smoothies come in three delicious flavours: Strawberry-Banana, Mango-Pineapple and Blueberry-Pomegranate. Each smoothie is individually blended with state-of-the-art equipment to ensure a creamy and refreshing smoothie every time.

McCafé Real Fruit Smoothies start at $1.99 for a snack size, including yogurt. Snack size servings are all under 150 calories and the small size of our Real Fruit Smoothies contains over one full serving of fruit.

As of today, more than 925 McDonald’s restaurant locations across the country carry McCafé Real Fruit Smoothies and the company’s remaining restaurants are expected to carry them by the end of 2012.

“We’re aggressively expanding our premium beverage portfolio, while still keeping an eye on our core business - still a critical part of our enduring success,” added Betts. “McCafé is where great food and great beverages intersect – truly the best of both worlds.”

The launch of McCafé Real Fruit Smoothies is supported by a large multi-channel advertising campaign, including TV, radio, digital and in-store merchandising.

Nutritional information for McCafé Real Fruit Smoothies can be found at:http://www.mcdonalds.ca/ca/en/food/nutrition_calculator.html