Description: McDonald’s Corp. is staking its future in India on burgers made from mashed potatoes, peas and spices. Sumil Mittal says it’s a good bet. Mittal, 19, sits beneath the golden arches at a McDonald’s in Ambala, a small town 125 miles north of New Delhi. He’s eating the vegetarian McAloo Tikki sandwich, with french fries and a Coke, before seeing the new Bollywood movie, “Wake Up Sid.”

Source: Bloomberg.com

Date: 10/16/2009

Keys: Competing in world markets (p100), Marketing (p387), Business Ethics and social responsibility (p32)

Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=auX4o5c.BK70

Questions for discussion:

• Do you think McDonald’s strategy in India is socially responsible? Explain your answer.
• Do you think fast-food consumers in India are much different than consumers elsewhere – aside from the menu?
• What risks are there for McDonald in India?