Customers who attend McDonald’s restaurants in Portugal may notice a difference in service throughout this month. The brand has announced a new measure that affects one of the most consumed products in its establishments.
Since early April, ketchup packaging has ceased to be free and has been a cost -in -law. “From April 1 each package of ketchup began to have a recommended sales price,” the company confirmed to Eco. The amount set by McDonald’s is five cents per unit, although each franchisee is free to define its prices.
What has changed?
So far, ketchup has been provided freely with menus that included chips. However, since April 2023, the company had already begun to limit the offer of this sauce, providing only one package on order and only when requested by the customer.
Waste reduction
According to McDonald’s justified this decision with the need to reduce food waste and plastic consumption. “This measure aimed to avoid waste of ketchup and packaging plastic,” the company explained, adding that, even with the restriction implemented last year, there was still a large volume of discarded packages without being used.
A sustainability problem
The fast food chain also said that any packaging delivered to the customer cannot be reused for food safety reasons, which makes waste an even greater problem. To combat this issue, the new collection policy was introduced as a way to encourage more conscious consumption.
Customer reactions
The change has not gone unnoticed and has already generated debate on social networks. Some customers have expressed displeasure with the new fare, while others remembered times when employees distributed several unrestricted ketchup packaging. “I still remember the days when Ketchup was asked for a handful of sachets,” wrote one user on Reddit.
Experiences from other countries
Portugal is not the first country where McDonald’s decides to charge for ketchup. In several international markets, this practice has already been adopted as a way to reduce costs and encourage more sustainable consumption. The decision of the brand in Portugal follows this global trend.
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Other changes in the supply of sauces
In addition to ketchup, some customers regret the disappearance of other sauces that McDonald’s offered free in the past. “There was a special sauce for potatoes that is no longer available,” commented another online user.
National production
Despite the change in supply policy, McDonald’s ketchup continues to be manufactured in Portugal. Production is ensured by Italagro (Hit Group), a company with headquarters and production in Ribatejo, which provides this product to brand restaurants.
Impact not consumption
It is not yet known to what extent the charge for ketchup will influence customer habits, but the company believes the measure will help reduce unnecessary consumption of this sauce and prevent waste.
Sustainability strategy
McDonald’s has been implementing several changes in order to make its restaurants more sustainable. This new measure is part of a broader policy to combat food waste and reduce environmental impact.
Definitive decision?
Despite mixed reactions, the company did not indicate any intention to reverse the decision. On the contrary, McDonald’s seems determined to maintain this new approach as part of its commitment to sustainability.
Alternatives for customers
For customers who do not want to pay for ketchup, it remains to choose other sauces available on the menu or simply reduce their consumption of this condiment.
An irreversible change?
This new policy marks the end of an era in which ketchup packages were freely distributed in brand restaurants. For many consumers, it will only be a small change in meal experience, but for others it represents a significant change in McDonald’s service policy in Portugal.
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