 McDonald's salads are proving popular |
McDonald's has thanked the continuing success of its recently introduced salad range for its best quarterly sales growth figures in seven years. The fast-food giant saw its global sales increase by 10% to $4.7bn (�2.5bn) in the second quarter of 2004, compared to the same period of 2003.
Profits were up even higher, jumping by 25% to $590.7m, above expectations.
The figures indicate that McDonald's turnaround from its recent downturn is staying on track.
Continuing efforts
In addition to the introduction of new, healthier products, McDonald's has also worked hard to improve its level of service, and introduced new initiatives in the US, such as customers being able to download songs after they purchase a Big Mac.
"We're increasing McDonald's relevance and keeping our brand in demand with faster service, better tasting and more contemporary food and beverage offerings, cleaner, more modern restaurants, attractive everyday value, and hip, fresh marketing," said McDonald's president and chief executive officer Charlie Bell.
The company added that it plans to invest between $1.5bn and $1.6bn in 2004, and to reduce its debt by $500m to $700m.
Mr Bell said that although McDonald's was very encouraged by the current performance, it still had work to do and would remain focused.
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