CHINA – QSR juggernaut McDonald’s China has announced it has expanded its smart supply chain project which strives to enhance fast food operations through enhancing traceability and operational efficiency.
McDonald’s China has announced a major advancement in its logistics operations at the China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing, as reported by China Daily.
The company revealed plans to roll out the “One Case, One Code” project nationwide, leveraging advanced technologies developed by Cainiao in partnership with key suppliers like Bimbo and Tyson.
The initiative involves more than 100 supplier factories across the country and assigns a unique digital identity to each product package using radio frequency identification (RFID) and other technologies.
As a result, restaurant receiving and inventory-checking processes have improved by over 30%. Additionally, the supply chain benefits from enhanced inventory visibility, enabling better demand and supply planning.
Phyllis Cheung, CEO of McDonald’s China, highlighted the expo as a valuable platform for fostering innovation and efficiency while advancing sustainability goals. She emphasized that the company’s success relies on strong collaboration among employees, franchisees, and suppliers.
Beyond logistics, McDonald’s China is focusing on sustainability and customer engagement. The McFarm Calendar, the company’s first cultural and creative product, showcases green agricultural practices and shares stories of farmers participating in its regenerative agriculture program.
Limited to 5,000 sets, the calendar is available through the company’s app.
McDonald’s China is also transforming 20 restaurants across 15 cities into McFarm-themed locations, offering immersive experiences centered on green agriculture. Its regenerative agriculture plan, launched in 2023 with nine suppliers, has trained nearly 5,000 farmers to date.
The company is further promoting animal welfare, introducing its first cage-free chicken logo in June 2024. The chickens, raised in clean, temperature-controlled environments, have access to more than 1,000 steps daily.
At the expo, McDonald’s showcased its commitment to sustainability through a farmer-themed art installation made from recycled paper bags, emphasizing eco-friendly practices in cage-free chicken production.
Currently operating 6,500 restaurants and supported by 2,000 logistics vehicles annually, McDonald’s China continues to innovate.
In January 2024, the company partnered with Cainiao, Alibaba Group’s logistics arm, to improve supply chain efficiency. This collaboration integrates RFID and other technologies to streamline processes from manufacturing to point-of-sale.
Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
