(PR.co.nz) More than 100,000 Weight Watchers Approved Meals have been sold at McDonald’s restaurants nationwide since the two companies announced their world-first partnership three months ago.
Figures released today by McDonald’s New Zealand show the number of meals sold so far have exceeded the company’s predicted sales forecast, demonstrating true consumer demand for healthier choices at the restaurant chain.
Mark Hawthorne, McDonald’s New Zealand Managing Director, says the company is very pleased with sales of the Weight Watchers Approved Meals, as well as consumer research undertaken post-launch which revealed customers were actively switching to the new meal options.
“Nearly 90 per cent of people who purchased a Weight Watchers meal made the choice instead of what they might normally buy at McDonald’s. Contrary to some people believing the partnership would drive customers into our restaurants, our sales and customer counts have stayed steady, with research highlighting that customers are making up their minds once they’re in-store.
“About three per cent of people who purchased the meals were current Weight Watchers members, so it’s showing us there is a very real demand from our customers and the New Zealand public for healthier choices. This is further demonstrated by the fact we’ve sold more than 67,000 side salads since launch, which it’s unlikely we would have sold without this partnership,” he says.
Growing consumer demand for the meals has led to the introduction of a new Tandoori Seared Chicken Wrap meal with a POINTS value of 5 ½.
“Customers are clearly telling us they like having the option to choose healthier meals, which is why we are committed to expanding the Weight Watchers range. The new Tandoori chicken wrap meal will give customers another choice, and we’re also working on future options in partnership with Weight Watchers,” says Mr Hawthorne.
Weight Watchers Approved Meals are available at McDonald’s restaurants nationwide.
Media Release 9 July 2010 from McDonalds.