Reference no: EM133330074
Case Study: Globalization of Fast Foods
Food systems are changing, resulting in greater availability and diversity of food. This means that there is a gradual shift toward a universal food culture that is changing what foods people eat, namely the globalization of food.
For example, you can go to a Dunkin 'Donuts in New York, or you can enjoy your donut in almost anywhere in the United States. That is not surprising since Dunkin Donuts are popular with Americans, but you might not find that same donut in other countries.
American fast-food chains, like Dunkin 'Donuts, seem to be everywhere, but these days they are serving both food from their U.S. menus and food adapted to the tastes and customs of other cultures in other countries.
In parts of Asia, Dunkin offers mango mochi ring donuts, and in Korea, they offer donuts filled with pickled vegetables. In Singapore, you would find donuts filled with wasabi and seaweed cheese. The wasabi creates a very hot-tasting donut that appeals to people Singapore. In Thailand, Dunkin Donuts makes delicious Kai-Yong donuts, a combination of glazed and shredded chicken that is topped with a spicy Thai chili paste. Thinking globally but acting locally has been one of the reasons for Dunkin 'Donuts' success in over 32 countries and over 10,000 restaurants worldwide.
McDonald's is another example. In India, there are many people who do not eat meat, so McDonald's in India serves only vegetarian burgers and prepares non-vegetarian (chicken and fish) meals in a separate area. McDonald's included vegetarian meals, yet they didn't provide green tea, a detail they will improve later on. McDonald's is one of the largest fast-food restaurants worldwide. More than one third of its 33,000 restaurants are located outside United States. McDonald's understands that adapting to local cultures is very important.
The globalization of the fast-food industry is happening with restaurants all over the world. Pollo Campero opened stores in Europe, Asia, and Central America. In 2013, Pollo Campero opened its first restaurant in Puerto Rico growing ever since, and it continues to grow as a leading restaurant. Pollo Campero appealed to health-conscious consumers and offered customers a choice. You can have a healthier grilled chicken or you can eat a lightly fried chicken. The choice of healthier choices has become popular for people of different cultural backgrounds. They didn't include green tea either, nor do they plan to offer it.
These days, more and more chain restaurants are selling their food in different countries. Adapting their products to local preferences is a way to keep customers happy and to keep business booming. It appears to be a strategy for success.
Questions: Answer the following questions:
- What is the meaning of 'globalization of fast foods'?
- What has Dunkin 'Donuts done to succeed worldwide?
- How has McDonald's changed its menu to attract vegetarians in India?
- How is Pollo Campero appealing to health-conscious consumers?
- How are chain restaurants adapting to the globalization of fast foods?