Popeyes UK slashes ice cream prices to US$1.27 to compete with McDonald’s McFlurry

UK– Popular fast food chain Popeyes has reduced prices of its Whipz ice cream to £0.99 (US$1.27) to rival McDonald’s McFlurry ice cream range. 

The offer will last for only a week, available until Sunday, August 18. According to Popeyes, the offer is timed perfectly for the school summer and hot weather. It offers the treat at £0.3 (US$0.9) less than McFlurry, which retails at £1.29 (US$1.66). 

Customers will save £2 (US$2.57), or 66% through the offer. Whipz’ retail price is £2.99 (US$3.85). 

Although it comes in vanilla flavor, Whipz cream has three sauce options– chocolate, Oreo and Biscoff. 

Customers can grab the treat at any Popeyes UK outlet or drive-thru or online.  

This competitive pricing strategy is an extension of Popeyes UK’s aggressive market share consolidation strategy, rivalling the most dominant QSR brand in the UK and Europe. 

According to Tastewise, a market analytics firm, McFlury is the most prepared food paring in QSR chains in the UK, prepared with 34.51% of all fast foods in the country, reflecting McDonald’s dominant position in the UK market. 

Popeyes UK chose the ice cream variant because of its loyal customer base, echoing the increased preference for ice cream in the UK, especially during the summer. 

The fast food chain hopes the offer will grab the market’s attention, setting precedence for further growth. 

The need to drive growth comes at a time when QSR brands are struggling with a challenging market environment marred by cost pressures caused by high inflation. Prices have significantly increased in the past year, resulting in diminished demand.  

Popeyes UK has praised the move, reiterating it is a continuation of the company’s aggressive growth strategy while at the same time offering value to its customers. The company views the move as an opportunity to prove itself as an alternative to McDonald’s, despite its success in the UK market.  

The fast food chain entered the UK market in 2021, becoming an instant success with customers. It has since opened more than 38 outlets. 

The extent of the discount has caused ripples in the market, with analysts predicting it will catch consumers’ attention and set precedence for other intensive limited-time value deals.  

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