French Fries at McDonalds in the Netherlands are very Dutch

French Fries from McDonald’s may be world-famous, but they often grow just around the corner. Behind every portion of fries stand local farmers cultivating the potatoes, and Dutch entrepreneurs working together for more sustainable potato farming. In this way, an internationally recognized treat becomes a local story.

That’s how it goes at McDonald’s. Globally familiar, but in the Netherlands firmly anchored in the region. Ninety percent of their restaurants are run by Dutch entrepreneurs who are at the heart of their communities. The Dutch head office works closely with nearby suppliers. And they have done so for 54 years: since 1971, McDonald’s has been part of the Dutch streetscape.

Investing in the climate

More than three-quarters of the potatoes for McDonald’s French Fries come from the Netherlands. Partner Farm Frites processes them into the golden fries on your tray. Since last year, McDonald’s has been co-investing in Farm Frites’ Future Farming program, which focuses on regenerative agriculture: a way of farming that improves soil quality, strengthens biodiversity, and makes the agricultural system more resilient.

That is urgently needed. Extreme weather is making it increasingly difficult to achieve consistent harvests. With Farm Frites’ Future Farming Program, farmers receive support to work more sustainably.

Jacob van der Borne, arable farmer from Reusel:

"It’s not about earning more, but about being able to keep farming in a changing climate. Every time I improve the soil, I am investing in agriculture that will still stand strong thirty years from now."

Dutch arable farmer Jacob van der Borne, partner in McDonald’s Future Farming program

New varieties for the future

Fries stand or fall with the potato. For years, the Innovator was the favorite: long and therefore ideal for the well-known fries, but at the same time vulnerable to disease and dependent on heavy fertilizer use.

That is why McDonald’s and its partners are investing in new varieties such as Donata and Etana. These are stronger, require less fertilizer, and are more resilient to a changing climate. By 2026, one-third of the fries in the Netherlands should come from these more sustainable varieties.

Locally sourced

It’s not just the potatoes that come from nearby. The milk for Milkshakes, Sundae ice cream, and Cappuccinos comes from FrieslandCampina. Carrots and onions are grown in the Netherlands, and the coffee beans are roasted here. Even the typical Dutch McDonald’s Fritessaus and Mayonnaise are locally made. All this reduces transport and strengthens cooperation with farmers and producers close to home.

More sustainable steps and freshly prepared

In addition to local sourcing, McDonald’s also looks at other circular solutions. Used vegetable frying oil, for example, is collected and converted into renewable fuel. The trucks that supply the restaurants largely run on this recycled oil—the very same oil in which the fries are cooked.

McDonald’s strives every day for the highest possible quality. And that is why the French Fries are always freshly prepared.

Entrepreneurs from nearby

Dutch entrepreneurs are often active in their local communities for many years and contribute to them. The restaurants are therefore not only places to eat: they also make a positive impact on society by, for example, sponsoring sports clubs or collecting donations for the Ronald McDonald Children’s Fund.

And that’s not all. McDonald’s pays close attention to the personal development and well-being of the eighty to one hundred employees per restaurant. For many young people, working at McDonald’s is their first job, for others the start of a career in hospitality or management.