McDonald’s China has unveiled plans to extend its cutting-edge smart supply chain project, a move expected to transform the domestic restaurant sector through improved efficiency and enhanced traceability. This announcement was made during the China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing, signaling a major advancement for the company’s logistics framework.
The ambitious One Case, One Code initiative, which is now being rolled out across the nation, leverages advanced technologies from Cainiao and collaborates with key suppliers such as Bimbo and Tyson. This initiative will involve over 100 supplier factories throughout the country and will assign a unique digital identity to each product package using radio frequency identification (RFID) and other innovative technologies.
As a result of this project, restaurant operations have reported a more than 30% increase in efficiency when it comes to receiving and inventory checks. The enhanced visibility of inventory data will enable improved demand and supply planning across the entire supply chain.
Phyllis Cheung, the CEO of McDonald’s China, emphasized the expo as a crucial platform for fostering collaboration with supply chain partners, driving both innovation and sustainability. She highlighted that the company’s long-term success hinges on strong cooperation among employees, franchisees, and suppliers.
In addition to embracing technological innovations, McDonald’s China is also prioritizing sustainability and engaging consumers. The introduction of the McFarm Calendar, a cultural and creative product that promotes green agricultural practices and shares stories of farmers involved in their regenerative agriculture initiative, showcases this effort. Limited to just 5,000 copies, the calendar is available through the official McDonald’s app.
Moreover, 20 restaurants in 15 cities will be transformed into McFarm-themed locations to provide consumers with an immersive experience related to green agriculture. Since the launch of its regenerative agriculture plan in 2023, which includes nine key suppliers, McDonald’s has successfully trained nearly 5,000 farmers.
Animal welfare is another critical aspect of McDonald’s China’s agenda, as evidenced by the introduction of its first cage-free chicken logo in June 2024. This initiative ensures that chickens are raised in clean, controlled environments, affording them the opportunity to move freely for over 1,000 steps daily. This commitment to sustainable practices is further highlighted by a unique art installation at the expo, crafted from recycled paper bags to illustrate the company’s dedication to cage-free chicken production.
This proactive approach to both supply chain efficiency and sustainability reflects McDonald’s commitment to not only enhancing the customer experience but also positively impacting the broader community and environment. By integrating technology with responsible agriculture practices, McDonald’s China is paving the way for a more sustainable future in the fast-food industry.
This initiative demonstrates a hopeful outlook for the future of food sourcing and supply chain management, with the potential to inspire similar efforts across industries.