Sales of McDonald's stores open a year rise in August

SÃO PAULO-sales of McDonald's around the world in "same stores", who consider open units for at least 13 months, rose 1.9 percent in August, compared with same month of 2012, reported today the American company. Excluding the effect of foreign exchange operations, the advance had reached 4.7%.
The fast-food network undergoes a bad moment mainly in Japan, in China and in Australia. The group tries to find offers of products that meet the specific needs of consumers in the region, but for the moment the strong growth rate last year committed to current performance.
Sales in the region covering Asia, Pacific, Middle East and Africa fell 0.5% on the same bases. In Europe, there was an increase of 3.3%, driven by strong volume of the United Kingdom — which launched cold drinks and snacks with higher added value — from France and Russia.
Meanwhile, the United States, McDonald's native market, contributed less to growth in August. There was high of 0.2% at same stores and 1.2%, taking into account also the open units last year. "We intend to improve the results [in the US] offering new products of all age and price," the company said.
The prior company's operational disregards operations in Latin America, which are controlled by Arcos Dorados. The figures show that 2013 continues to be a difficult year for the network: sales rose only 0.4 percent in eight months, against 4.4 percent advance over the same period to 2012.
The performance, however, demonstrates that the company's quarterly statement can show resumption of high pace and the Board remains confident for the remainder of the year. "We continue believing in the strength of the McDonald's system and in our ability to connect with consumers," commented in a note, Don Thompson, President of the group.