Fast-food chain McDonald's is increasing the prices of some menu items as it comes under pressure from rising inflation. The business wrote to customers on Wednesday (July 27) to say it was having to make some "tough choices" as the cost of food and energy continue to soar in the UK.
The company, which opened in Britain in 1974, said its restaurants would be adding "between 10p and 20p" to the menu items "most impacted" by inflation. It confirmed the price of its cheeseburger would go up for the first time in 14 years - from 99p to £1.19.
Some prices will remain unaffected, while others will vary across different restaurants, it said.
"We understand that any price increases are not good news, but we have delayed and minimised these changes for as long as we could," said Alistair Macrow, McDonald's UK and Ireland chief executive.
"Just like you, our company, our franchisees who own and operate our restaurants, and our suppliers are all feeling the impact of rising inflation."
Mr Macrow told customers McDonald's would "work tirelessly" to find solutions to the cost challenges affecting the business.
"Providing you with the best combination of choice and value that we can in these extraordinary times remains our focus," he said. "At times like this we know that providing great value is important... But today's pressures mean, like many, we're having to make some tough choices about our prices."
The fast-food group also reminded customers of a new rewards scheme the company launched in the UK last week. The scheme offers one point for every penny spent through the McDonald's app, with users able to collect points and redeem them for free food as well as charitable donations.
The announcement comes as UK inflation hit a new 40-year high of 9.4% in June - up from 9.1% in May - according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
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