Boycotting works: McDonald’s acknowledges financial setback
3 Min Read
McDonald's' recent weeks have been fraught with turmoil.
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A man passing by a McDonald’s billboard (AFP)
McDonald's CEO, Chris Kempczinski, acknowledged substantial financial setbacks for the global fast-food chain attributed to the recent global call to boycott brands and franchises that directly or indirectly benefit "Israel" economically.
“Several markets in the Middle East and some outside the region are experiencing a meaningful business impact due to the war ... affecting brands like McDonald’s,” Kempczinski said in a blog post on LinkedIn.
Consequently, the brand found that its reputation was at stake. The burger chain, along with other multinational corporations, is experiencing repercussions from global boycotts following the Israeli killing of over 22,600 Palestinians, mostly women and children.
"I don't think that me boycotting these brands would affect them."
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) October 30, 2023
Think again.#PalestineGenocide #GazaUnderAttack pic.twitter.com/rGkj8vVwKt
In a New Year update on McDonald's franchise operations for the year 2024, shared on LinkedIn, CEO Chris Kempczinski expressed disappointment over the company's financial losses, describing the situation as "disheartening" for investors.
“In every country where we operate, including in Muslim countries, McDonald’s is proudly represented by local owner-operators who work tirelessly to serve and support their communities while employing thousands of their fellow citizens. That local community connection is the genius of the McDonald’s system,” he said.
Global boycott of 'Israel'
The BDS movement has been at the front of the boycott campaign, particularly advocating against benefitting giant franchises such as Starbucks, McDonald's, Zara, KFC, Nestle, etc., which have not shied away from their blatant support of the Israeli genocide in Gaza.
The boycott movement against Israeli products has globally gained momentum, particularly in Egypt, Jordan, and Turkey, significantly affecting major Western fast-food chains like McDonald’s, Starbucks, and KFC. The repercussions have also extended beyond the Arab region, reaching countries like Malaysia and the US.
Protestors march from JFK Airport to El Al "Israel" Airlines LTD office before reaching a Starbucks branch in New York.
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) January 4, 2024
Throughout the march, protestors can be heard chanting, "No justice, no peace," "Israel bombs, USA pays, how many kids did you kill today?" and "Starbucks you… pic.twitter.com/Ohur2lp3tZ
On January 4, protesters marched from JFK Airport to El Al "Israel" Airlines LTD office before reaching a Starbucks branch in New York.
In Kuwait, giant billboards displayed blood-stained children, asking, "Did you kill a Palestinian today?", taking a jab at those who still benefit "Israel"-linked products.
In sweeping waves of protest, Egypt, Jordan, and Turkey also witnessed a significant surge in a boycott targeting multinationals that have either pro-Israeli stances or financial ties with "Israel", such as McDonald’s, Starbucks, and KFC, prompting a widespread consumer movement against them.
The escalation of the genocide has further fueled the momentum of the boycott. As global pressure mounts on "Israel" for its brutal aggression on Gaza, the movement is gaining traction in African nations also, most notably South Africa.
Indonesian-based media outlet Republik reported in November that Indonesian advocates are calling for a boycott of Israeli-linked products due to the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
The call for a boycott was initially launched by human rights groups in both Indonesia and Malaysia and gradually grew to garner support from various political parties, the outlet said.
Today, the boycott campaign worldwide involves browser extensions, dedicated websites, and smartphone apps that identify linked products.
Read next: Spanish retailer Zara joins boycott list after controversial ad
