McDonalds is to increase the price of a raft of products, including the cheeseburger
(Picture: PA Archive)McDonald's is raising the price of its cheeseburgers from 99p to £1.19, citing “incredibly challenging times” for the change.
Alistair Macrow, chief executive officer of McDonald's UK and Ireland, said other items were also set to become between 10p and 20p more expensive over the summer.
He told the Telegraph: “Just like you, our company, our franchisees who own and operate our restaurants, and our suppliers are all feeling the impact of rising inflation, meaning prices will now have to go up.
"We understand that any price increases are not good news, but we have delayed and minimised these changes for as long as we could.
“These are incredibly challenging times.”
Inflation hit a fresh 40-year-high in June, reaching 9.4 per cent compared with 9.1 per cent in May, and businesses have raised warnings of soaring costs as a result.
This is the first time in 14 years that the signature cheeseburger has increased in price and this is also the first time it has cost more than £1.
The chain is, however, trialling its first loyalty card scheme across the UK.
Customers will earn 100 points for every £1 they spend and will need to earn 1,500 points for a small chips or a regular coffee.
With 2,500 points, customers can earn a double cheeseburger, vegetable deluxe, cheesy bacon flatbread, or a medium portion of chips.
There is also a separate scheme just for coffee with the McCafe app.
Michelle Graham-Clare, chief marketing officer of McDonald’s UK and Ireland said: “We’re incredibly excited to trial the MyMcDonald’s Rewards scheme in the UK.
“As well as rewarding our customers with our iconic menu items, we’re delighted to give customers the option of donating points to the brilliant BBC Children in Need, money which we know will make an incredible difference to the lives of many thousands of young people.”
