Westlife Foodworld Ltd., the company responsible for operating McDonald’s restaurants in West and South India, has announced its intention to integrate rooftop solar panels into around one-third of its new restaurant locations in the upcoming fiscal year of 2024. This initiative aligns with the company’s overarching objective to expand its reliance on renewable energy sources.
Smita Jatia, Vice Chairperson, Westlife Foodworld said, “We are committed to a lower carbon footprint, achieved through increased recycling and reuse of materials, use of renewable energy, and reduced consumption. We recognise the critical role that businesses must play in addressing climate change and we are proud to walk the talk.”
Over the past two years, Westlife Foodworld Ltd. has achieved a remarkable reduction of 16,308 tonnes in its carbon footprint. This significant accomplishment was made possible by conserving 19.58 million units of electricity, which is equivalent to the positive environmental impact of planting 749,086 trees. By decreasing its dependency on non-renewable energy sources, Westlife has not only improved its operational efficiency but also contributed to mitigating the release of hundreds of tonnes of carbon dioxide. This proactive approach plays a vital role in reducing climate risks and fostering a greener future.
Westlife Foodworld Limited (BSE: 505533), previously known as Westlife Development Ltd (WDL), is a company dedicated to establishing and managing Quick Service Restaurants (QSR) in India. Through its subsidiary, Hardcastle Restaurants Pvt. Ltd. (HRPL), the company operates a network of McDonald’s restaurants in West and South India. Westlife maintains a master franchisee arrangement with McDonald’s Corporation USA, facilitated by the latter’s subsidiary.
HRPL, short for Hardcastle Restaurants Pvt. Ltd., holds the franchise rights to own and manage McDonald’s restaurants in the Western and Southern regions of India. Since its establishment in 1996, HRPL has been an esteemed franchisee in these areas, operating under the McDonald’s brand.
HRPL caters to a vast customer base, serving over 200 million individuals annually across its 357 McDonald’s restaurants located in 56 cities. These cities span across the states of Telangana, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Goa, parts of Madhya Pradesh, Union Territory of Puducherry. The company’s operations provide direct employment opportunities to more than 10,000 individuals. McDonald’s operates through various formats and brand extensions, including standalone restaurants, drive-thrus, 24/7 establishments, McDelivery services, McBreakfast offerings, and dessert kiosks. Their diverse menu offers a selection of burgers, wraps, hot and cold beverages, along with a wide range of desserts. In addition, several McDonald’s restaurants feature an in-house McCafé for customers to enjoy.