McDonald’s no longer exists in Russia, and its successor is struggling with problems: French fries are being limited due to sanctions and a poor potato harvest.
After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, fast-food giant McDonald’s withdrew from the country. The orphaned branches – a total of 825 locations across the country – were bought by the Russian businessman Alexander Govor, who opened fast-food restaurants there under the name “Vkusno & tochka”. In German: “Delicious and point.”
The food there is said to be mostly the same as that of the meanwhile hated American competitor. But the customers have to do without fries. As the Reuters news agency reports, the chain has initially removed French fries and potato wedges from the menu in many restaurants. The reason for this is a general shortage of potatoes in the country.
Russian McDonald’s successor suffers from potato shortage
The chain announced that so far only potatoes from domestic production have been used. But in Russia there are no longer enough potatoes and due to international sanctions it is not possible to import from other countries. For example, potato products will not be offered again in some branches until autumn – when the next harvest has taken place.
This is a bitter disappointment for many customers: the McDonald’s branches in Russia had traditionally exuded the scent of the wide world and the opening to the West. After taking over the restaurants, Alexander Gowor announced full-bodiedly: “It will definitely not be worse than it used to be.” But when the bars reopened in mid-June, classics like the Big Mac or McFlurry ice cream had disappeared for trademark reasons. Now French fries lovers are left empty-handed.
Bad potato harvest last year
In addition to the trade sanctions, Russian gastronomy is suffering from a poor potato harvest last year. However, similar problems are also evident in other countries: In Japan, South Africa and Kenya, for example, the raw materials for French fries and potato chips are becoming scarce. Manufacturers in Germany also warned of a bottleneck – but the problem here was not the potato harvest, but the lack of sunflower oil, most of which is imported from the Ukraine.
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Source: Stern
Jane Stock is a technology author, who has written for 24 Hours World. She writes about the latest in technology news and trends, and is always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to improve his audience’s experience.
