McDonald’s Canada will return to sourcing 100 per cent Canadian beef in September 2020, ending the temporary sourcing adjustments announced in late April due to COVID-related industry constraints. Since that time, McDonald’s Canada has been sourcing as much Canadian beef as possible, maintaining over 80 per cent of supply from Canadian sources on average and supplementing with imported beef from pre-approved McDonald’s suppliers.
McDonald’s Canada is also continuing its beef sustainability journey by offering Quarter Pounder patties, from which a portion of the beef (minimum 30 per cent), will be sourced from CRSB certified sustainable Canadian farms and ranches by September 2020.
McDonald’s Canada has used 100 per cent Canadian beef since 2003. The company has also been a long-time proponent and advocate of sustainable practices in the Canadian beef industry. The organization and its franchisees will continue to advocate for progress on sustainability, which contributes to the humane treatment of animals, and delivers positive outcomes for farmers, ranchers, communities and the planet.
McDonald’s Canada remains one of the largest purchasers of Canadian beef and a proud supporter of the Canadian beef industry. At the height of the pandemic, the organization made a $100,000 contribution to the Canadian Cattlemen’s Foundation to support educational efforts and the development of future leaders through the Cattlemen’s Young Leaders program.
“For nearly two decades, we’ve maintained a strong commitment to sourcing Canadian beef – we are incredibly proud of the role we’ve played in supporting local ranchers and farmers,” said Nicole Zeni, Senior Manager, Supply Chain, McDonald’s Canada. “In these challenging times, our ability to return to sourcing 100 per cent of our beef from Canadian sources is a true testament to the resiliency of the industry.”
As a founding member of the CRSB, established in 2014, McDonald’s Canada was a driving force in developing Canadian standards for beef sustainability. The CRSB consists of a diverse group of stakeholders representing academia, government, food and agricultural businesses, producer associations, processors, retail and foodservice, as well as NGOs like Ducks Unlimited Canada, World Wildlife Fund and Nature Conservancy of Canada.
“The stabilized supply of Canadian beef is important in allowing us to continue to progress our sustainability efforts,” said Jeffrey Fitzpatrick-Stilwell, Sustainability and Agriculture Lead, McDonald’s Canada. “Offering Quarter Pounder patties made with beef from CRSB-certified farms and ranches is another meaningful step forward on our journey to delivering socially responsible, economically viable and environmentally sound food to our guests.”
Source: McDonald’s Restaurants of Canada Ltd.