MCDONALD'S SELLS HAMBURGERS

IN A HINDU COUNTRY

India represented a big challenge to McDonald's because most Indians could not eat the main menu item—the beef hamburger. Over 80% of the Indian population is Hindu and this religion prohibits the consumption of cow products. Also, approximately 40% of Indians are strict vegetarians and eat no meat of any kind. A significant percentage of the Indian population is Muslim, which also prohibits the consumption of pork products.

India is a federal republic, which gained its independence from Great Britain in 1947. After many years of British rule, Mahatma Gandhi led a mass movement for independence. Since that time, India has been as its constitution states, a "sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic." The economic self-reliance or "swadeshi" begun under Gandhi influenced public policy in India for over 40 years. India finally began to liberalize economic policy after experiencing a severe foreign currency crisis. In 1991, major changes occurred that made foreign investment easier, including reduced tariffs, removal of non-tariff barriers to trade, and loosened foreign investment restrictions and currency controls.

India still remains a poor country and a difficult market for Western companies. Per capita GDP is $420 and at least 350 million Indians live on less than a dollar a day. The government recognizes eighteen languages, with Hindi being the most widely spoken. English is also spoken, especially in urban areas and among the better-educated component of the population. Violent religious clashes occur between Hindus and Christians and between Hindus and Muslims, and there is a current movement to establish an all-Hindu India. The religious and social class tolerances advocated by Gandhi do not seem to be as well accepted by many in India today. India is a country divided by languages, religion, and caste.

In 1996, McDonald's opened its first restaurant in India. The first McDonald's in India was located in Delhi and was the only McDonald's outlet worldwide not to offer beef on its menu. Due to dietary restrictions imposed by religion, McDonald's had to be creative in its product offerings. Without the possibility of serving beef or pork, McDonald's offered the lamb patty and a veggie burger. The Big Mac was named the Maharaja Mac and substituted ground lamb for beef. After opening its second restaurant in India, this one in

Mumbai (Bombay), McDonald's had invested $14 million, yet the company was not completely sure of the potential of the Indian market. Although business was brisk at both locations, some concerns were raised.

Some consumers complained about the bland taste of the food. Accustomed to the spicy traditional Indian food, McDonald's meals seemed too plain for some consumers. There was also a concern about the political stability of the country and long-term acceptance of McDonald's in India. The Indian government did not support the entry of McDonald's into the country and some Indians protested the arrival of the American multinational. Previous American franchises have been the target of vandalism in India in the past. KFC, Dominos Pizza, and Pizza Hut all have several locations in India, and some of the restaurants have experienced difficulties with political mobs. McDonald's is perhaps in an even more vulnerable position because its primary product worldwide (beef) is viewed by many Hindus as not appropriate for consumption. As one protestor remarked, "They are the chief killers of the cow." Other protestors see McDonald's as a symbol of the exploitation of the world's poor by rich American multinationals. Faced with the difficulties of product acceptance, low purchasing power among consumers, and the ever-present potential of political conflict, McDonald's must decide if further expansion in India is a good investment.

1. Find the English equivalents for the following words and expressions:

устранять барьеры для развития торговли, испытывать жестокий кризис, вводить ограничения, ослабить ограничения, представлять большую проблему, снижать тарифы, находиться (в каком- либо месте), испытывать трудности;

важные изменения, многонациональная корпорация, основной продукт (в меню), низкая покупательная способность, уязвимое положение, потребление, потребители, предложение товара, значительный процент, на душу населения.

2. Translate into Russian:

 to represent a challenge; to experience a severe crisis; to reduce tariffs; to remove barriers to trade; to loosen restrictions; to be located; to impose restrictions; to experience difficulties;

significant percentage; major changes; consumers; a multinational; consumption; primary product; vulnerable position; low purchasing power; per capita; product offerings.

3. Match the following:

1. big                                                             a. crisis

2. significant                                                 b. business 

3. severe                                                       c. percentage

4. major                                                   d. position

5. reduced                                            e. challenge

6. brisk                                                         f. changes

7. vulnerable                                          g. tariffs 

4. Say whether these statements are true or false:

1. The McDonald brothers did not realize that India represented a big challenge, otherwise they would not have entered the Indian market.

2. The McDonald brothers did their best to follow the advice “think globally and act locally”.

3. The economic and political environment in India contributed heavily to a successful operation of McDonald’s in India.

4. McDonald’s menu in India was culturally correct.

5. Discuss the following questions:

1. In your opinion, is India a good market for McDonald’s?

2. Has McDonald’s responded to the advice often given transnational companies to “think globally and act locally”?

3. Do you think McDonald’s will be a success in India? Why?