The Big Mac currency
The Big Mac has been used for over 30 years to compare the purchasing power of countries. To mark the anniversary, McDonald's is now launching its own Big Mac currency.
The so-called Big Mac Index compares the purchasing power of currencies based on the price of a Big Mac in different countries. Invented in 1986 by the British newspaper The Economist, the index has survived to this day and is firmly anchored in economics. Long before globalization, the McDonald's burger par excellence was one of the few products that could be bought in an identical form all over the world. Ideal for comparing prices.
To mark the 50th anniversary of the cult burger, Leo Burnett has turned the tables and launched a real currency that can be used to buy Big Macs in 50 countries worldwide. One coin equals one Big Mac. Five different versions, one for each Big Mac decade. Since August 2, MacCoins have been handed out at 14,000 locations with the purchase of a Big Mac. They can be redeemed one day later. For the time being, they are only available in the USA, but they can be redeemed worldwide. Theoretically, you could do something like this "forwards". For example, if you redeem the coin where the Big Mac is more expensive than in the country where the coin was purchased. The most expensive Big Mac country would be Switzerland - but redemption is not possible here, as the coin can only be used in countries participating in the promotion. Incidentally, McDonald's celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Big Mac in Switzerland back in March with a CHF 3.90 promotion and a prize draw for anniversary shirts. Another special promotion is being planned for the fall. (hae)
