McDonald's food centre oversees quality in 35 markets (hktdc.com)


	(From left) McDonald's President for Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa (APMEA), Tim Fenton; InvestHK's Mike Rowse; and Managing Director of McDonald's Restaurants (Hong Kong) Ltd, Joseph Lau, at the opening press conference

Global restaurant chain McDonald's recently opened its Food Studio and Quality Centre in North Point, Hong Kong. The new facility is the centre for quality and food standards operations for over 35 markets and the development of new foods for the Asia, Pacific, Middle East and Africa (APMEA) region.

Another demonstration of the company's commitment to Asia is the relocation to Hong Kong of Tim Fenton, McDonald's President for Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa (APMEA). He has also brought with him key members of his management team.

Mr Fenton said: "Hong Kong is a trading city, with excellent transportation and logistics infrastructure. This allows us to send food items in and out of Hong Kong efficiently and conveniently for quality assurance. At the same time, Hong Kong's central location makes it a great place to meet and train."

"China is one of the fastest growing and most important markets for McDonald's. By basing ourselves in Hong Kong - one of the international cities of China - we can stay close to the rapidly expanding market."

Third global location

According to Mr Fenton, Hong Kong is the third global location chosen by McDonald's for its Food and Quality Assurance Studios. Similar facilities are located near Chicago (US) and Paris.

The Studios in Hong Kong will cover 35 countries across 16 time zones - including all of Asia-Pacific, South Africa and the Middle East.

McDonald's APMEA markets will continue to develop ideas for different products. The food studio in Hong Kong will be where those ideas can be brought to life, producing new products that can be introduced across international markets.

Initially, at least 12 full-time staff will be employed to operate the studios. They will include a chef to help develop new foods and tastes, and a nutritionist to ensure the proper dietary balance of the foods.

The Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, Mike Rowse, welcomed McDonald's expansion in Hong Kong. He said, "Long-term investors like McDonald's do not just create employment opportunities for our workforce. By choosing Hong Kong as their regional base, these investors bring new ideas and knowledge from different markets to our city - helping make Hong Kong a centre for excellence."