2. This case examines McDonald's entry and
adaptation to the Indian food service market. It
highlights the company's global business model,
centered on franchising and standardization, and its
efforts to tailor its operations to the unique cultural
and logistical challenges of India. This includes
removing beef and pork from the menu, introducing
vegetarian options, developing a robust cold chain
infrastructure, and partnering with local suppliers. The
case also explores McDonald's gradual expansion
strategy and raises questions about its future growth
through franchising in India.
CASE STUDY: SUMMARY
Franchising
3. KEY ISSUES
Franchising
01
C U L T U R A L A D A P T A T I O N
How to adapt the menu and
operations to respect Indian
cultural and religious sensitivities
(vegetarianism, avoidance of beef
and pork).
02
SUPPLY CHAIN DEVELOPMENT
Establishing a reliable and
efficient cold chain infrastructure
in a country with significant
logistical challenges and food
waste.
03
SUPPLIER PARTNERSHIPS
Finding and developing local
suppliers capable of meeting
McDonald's stringent quality
and safety standards.
04
EXPANSION STRATEGY
Determining the optimal
expansion strategy for India,
specifically whether to pursue
franchising or continue with
joint ventures.
05
MARKET PENETRATION
Overcoming the
preference for traditional
Indian cuisine and
establishing McDonald's as
a popular dining option.
06
PRICING AND
AFFORDABILITY
Balancing the need for
quality with affordability
for the Indian consumer.
07
MAINTAINING
QUALITY AND
CONSISTENCY
Ensuring the consistent
delivery of QSC&V (Quality,
Service, Cleanliness, and
Value) across all locations.
4. PRIMARY DECISION-MAKER(S) INVOLVED
IN THE CASE
1.McDonald's India Management: Responsible for
strategic decisions related to market entry, menu
adaptation, supply chain development, and
expansion.
2.McDonald's Global Management: Overseeing the
overall brand strategy and providing guidance for
international operations.
3.Joint Venture Partners (Hardcastle Restaurants Pvt.
Ltd. and Connaught Plaza Restaurants Pvt. Ltd.):
Responsible for regional operations and
implementation of McDonald's strategies.
4.Amil Jatia : Joint-venture partner of Mcdonald's India
(Western region).
5.Amit Jatia, Managing Director, Mcdonald's Western
India.
5. RELEVANT BACKGROUND
INFORMATIONS
1.India has a diverse population with unique food preferences and a strong tradition of home-
cooked meals.
2.The Indian food service industry is experiencing growth due to economic liberalization,
urbanization, and rising incomes.
3.Significant food waste exists in India due to inadequate storage and transportation infrastructure.
4.McDonald's global business model is based on franchising and standardized operations.
5.McDonald's is known for its emphasis on QSC&V (Quality, Service, Cleanliness, and Value).
6.The Indian market presents unique challenges due to cultural sensitivities, dietary restrictions,
and logistical complexities.
7.McDonald's entered India through joint ventures, initially focusing on major urban centers.
Franchising
6. PROBLEM/ CHALLENGES
1. Cultural and Dietary
Adaptations
2. Infrastructure and
Logistics
3. Competition
Franchising
4. Market Penetration
5. Brand Perception and
Trust
6. Regulatory Clearances
7. ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS
Disadvantages:
1. Slower Expansion
2. Limited Initial Impact
3. Potential for Delays
1. Phased Rollout with Localized
Pilot Programs
Advantages
1. Reduced Risk
2. Flexibility
3. Targeted Approach
Feasibility
Cost-Effective
8. ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS
Disadvantages:
1. Loss of Control
2. Potential for Conflicts
Feasibility
Cost
2. Strategic Partnerships and
Franchising
Advantages:
1. Access to Local Expertise
2. Reduced Investment
3. Faster Expansion
4. Enhanced Brand Perception
9. ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS
Disadvantages:
1.Limited Market Reach
2. Potential for Saturation
Cost
Impact on Stakeholder
3. Focus on a Unique Value
Proposition
Advantages:
1. Differentiation
2. Customer Loyalty
3. Brand Recognition
Feasibility
10. RECOMMENDATION
Alternative Solution #1: Phased rollout with
localized pilot programs.
Justification
1. Mitigating Market Complexity
2. Targeted Learning and Adaptation
3. Efficient Resource Deployment
Franchising
Risks and Mitigation
1. Pilot Program Failure
2. Slow Expansion
3. Competition from Established Brands
4. Cultural Misunderstandings
11. CONCLUSION
Franchising
1. Successful Adaptation, But Challenges
Remain
2. The Importance of Local Partnerships
3. The Cold Chain is a Critical Success Factor
4. Franchising is a Key Decision Point
5. Cultural Sensitivity is Paramount
6. Long-Term Growth Requires Continued
Innovation
12. Franchising
McDonald's Success in India - The Complete Story -
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/mcdonalds-success-india-complete-
story-swarn-kamal
Navigating the Challenges: McDonald's Success Story in India's
Booming Mark - https://www.leoneschmidt.com/articles/navigating-
the-challenges-mcdonalds-success-story-in-indias-booming-mark
McDonaldsinIndia.pdf - McDonald's India
-https://www.mcdonaldsindia.com/McDonaldsinIndia.pdf
Reference: