Thousands of Kiwis have a healthy appetite for POINTS with their order

More than 100,000 Weight Watchers Approved Meals have been sold at McDonald’s restaurants nationwide since the two companies announced their world-first partnership three months ago.

Figures released today by McDonald’s New Zealand show the number of meals sold so far have exceeded the company’s predicted sales forecast, demonstrating true consumer demand for healthier choices at the restaurant chain.

Mark Hawthorne, McDonald’s New Zealand Managing Director, says the company is very pleased with sales of the Weight Watchers Approved Meals, as well as consumer research undertaken post-launch which revealed customers were actively switching to the new meal options.

“Nearly 90 per cent of people who purchased a Weight Watchers meal made the choice instead of what they might normally buy at McDonald’s. Contrary to some people believing the partnership would drive customers into our restaurants, our sales and customer counts have stayed steady, with research highlighting that customers are making up their minds once they’re in-store.

“About three per cent of people who purchased the meals were current Weight Watchers members, so it’s showing us there is a very real demand from our customers and the New Zealand public for healthier choices. This is further demonstrated by the fact we’ve sold more than 67,000 side salads since launch, which it’s unlikely we would have sold without this partnership,” he says.

Growing consumer demand for the meals has led to the introduction of a new Tandoori Seared Chicken Wrap meal with a POINTS value of 5 ½.

“Customers are clearly telling us they like having the option to choose healthier meals, which is why we are committed to expanding the Weight Watchers range. The new Tandoori chicken wrap meal will give customers another choice, and we’re also working on future options in partnership with Weight Watchers,” says Mr Hawthorne.

Weight Watchers Approved Meals are available at McDonald’s restaurants nationwide.

Ends.

Notes for the editor

Weight Watchers approved meals were introduced to the McDonald’s New Zealand menu in March 2010.

The four Weight Watchers approved meals are:
Ø Filet-O-Fish, Garden Side Salad and medium diet drink or Pump mini
Ø 6 Pack Chicken McNuggets (includes nugget sauce or ketchup), Garden Side Salad and medium diet drink or Pump mini
Ø Sweet Chilli Seared Chicken Wrap, medium diet drink or Pump mini
Ø NEW Tandoori Seared Chicken Wrap Meal, medium diet drink or Pump mini

Because of changes to the cooking oil McDonald’s uses, favourite menu items included in the Weight Watchers approved meals, such as Filet-o-Fish and McNuggets, contain 60 per cent less saturated fat than they did six years ago.


About McDonald’s New Zealand

New Zealand’s first McDonald’s restaurant opened in Porirua in 1976. Today there are 150 McDonald’s restaurants across New Zealand, 80 per cent of which are franchised and run by local business men and women. The organisation employs more than 9000 people in restaurants nationwide. In 2009, McDonald’s spent $145 million with New Zealand suppliers, buying produce and products for its restaurants. For more information visit www.mcdonalds.co.nz