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Economic boycott forces McDonald's to change name in Egypt
2002-04-19 18:57:01
IslamOnLine
19 April 2002
http://www.ummahnews.com/viewarticle.php?sid=3276
The fast-food multinational McDonalds has been forced to modify its name in Egypt as an Arab boycott of US and Israeli products begins to bite.
The corporation has added Main Foods to its name as part of a bid to persuade customers that it does not support the Zionist state.
This move was taken to counter attack the negative propaganda that has intensified among Egyptians who have boycotted McDonalds in protest at its alleged provision of a proportion of Saturday profits to Israel.
Last Wednesday, McDonalds full page advertisements were published in most Egyptian newspapers. A letter from Ana Zoziech, spokesperson for McDonalds worldwide, denied the rumour about McDonalds giving Israel donations.
All McDonalds restaurants in Egypt and the Middle East are owned and managed by their local owners, Zoziech said. She added that these owners were supporting projects that benefit children and families,including charity projects, such as children's hospitals.
The advert also said it was in the Egyptian peoples' interest not to agitate against fast food restaurants in Egypt as this would only hurt the Egyptian economy and result in the company being forced to end its support for charity institutions.
It also warned that a boycott would harm the 3000 Egyptians working in its branches.
American Restaurants in Egypt, especially McDonald's and Kentucky Fried Chicken, have been facing a boycott from many Egyptians. Potential customers have avoided these restaurants after the branches located
beside Cairo University were attacked with stones and students shouted at the customers.
A previous boycott to McDonald's in 2001 forced the company to introduce a new sandwich called falafel, a local Egyptian food instead of the hamburger. The product flopped because Egyptians preferred falafel
from local restaurants.
The boycott campaign has also reached the Internet and cellular phones. A list of blacklisted products has been circulated among Egyptians via SMS messages on cellular phones.
The list included Heinz, Hostess, Coca Cola, Pepsi, California Gardens, KFC, Pizza Hut, Tekka, Arbys, Chillis, Marlboro, Kent, and Proctor and Gamble among others.
The campaign was solidified by the fatwa made by Dr. Mohamed Sayed Tantawi. Al-Azhar religious leader, who has asked people to boycott Israel and all its supporters.
Ummahnews.com
AL-ISLAAH PUBLICATIONS
e-mail: moosa@act.co.za