McDonald's new lunchbox mascot "Happy" will make its debut in a television advertisement on Friday.
Although some might find Happy, a takeaway carton-shaped character with an enormous mouth, a bit funny looking, the fast food restaurant chain claims it promotes joy and healthy eating.
"The animated Happy Meal character brings fun and excitement to kid's meals while also serving as an ambassador for balanced and wholesome eating," the company told Mashable.
McDonald's senior director of U.S. marketing said Happy's first image does not portray his true character.
"You will see Ronald and him in our TV communications and and in our restaurants and packaging and all of our communications," Julie Wenger said. "We don't know if he'll be back in social media. His first seflie didn't convey his personality. We know social media is a platform for all kinds of people to say all kinds of things. Happy is certainly not going to be unhappy about it."
Wenger also stated the company wants its kid's meals to have more choices.
"At McDonald's, we're always looking to bring fun and happiness to families and listening to our customers' asks to have more variety and wholesome options for kids to enjoy in their Happy Meals," Wenger said. "Together, Happy and Go-GURT Low-Fat Strawberry Yogurt give kids and parents something to look forward to during their next trip to McDonald's."
According to Fox News, McDonald's will offer specially made 50-calorie Go-Gurt low fat strawberry yogurt beginning July 4th. General Mills will make the yogurt with 25 percent less sugar than standard Go-Gurt.
McDonald's will sell milk, juice, or water on children's menu boards and ads.
McDonald's has kept busy recently, modifying its social media presence and marketing initiatives.
The company changed the famous Ronald McDonald mascot on April 24, according to a press release. Ronald's new look included his own signature on the back of his coat.
Happy first launched in France in 2009. Latin America then welcomed the mascot.
