McDonald’s Revises Smoothies, Specialty Drinks Launch

QSRWeb.com:

McDonald’s has been testing smoothies and frappes for more than a year as part of its entrance into the specialty beverage category. Originally projected to roll out this summer, the product launch — which includes expanded fountain and bottled drinks — is now scheduled for 2010, said Danya Proud, McDonald’s spokeswoman.

In the company’s January and April earnings conference calls, executives told analysts that the rollout was on track for a mid-2009 launch.

“McDonald’s National Beverage Strategy, including the introduction of McCafé coffees in our U.S. restaurants, is proving to be a successful business strategy that’s resonating with our customers,” Proud said in an e-mail. “For us, it’s about providing our customers with affordable luxuries, at a value that only McD’s can offer.”