Our Coates Crew in China has been awarded the 2025 McDonald’s China Best Supplier Award, marking the second time the business has received the recognition after previously winning in 2023.
The award was presented at McDonald’s China’s 2026 Supplier Annual Meeting in Shanghai earlier this year, where leading partners and suppliers were recognised for their contributions to operational excellence. The Best Supplier Award is regarded as the highest accolade presented during the annual even. As one of McDonald’s biggest markets, McDonald’s China operates a significant nationwide network serving millions of customers across thousands of restaurant locations. Recognition from such a globally and nationally respected QSR brand highlights the impact and value of strong long-term partnerships.
“We are incredibly proud to receive this recognition from McDonald’s China,” said Walter Zheng, Coates Group General Manager for China. “This achievement is a reflection of the hard work, dedication, and collaboration demonstrated by our Coates team in China every day. Their commitment to excellence and strong partnership approach have been instrumental in achieving this outcome. We sincerely thank McDonald’s China and McDonald’s Global for their trust and continued collaboration.”
Furthermore, for Coates Group, the recognition carries additional significance given the long-standing relationship between the two organisations. Coates Group has been a trusted partner to McDonald’s globally for more than 50 years, supporting the QSR brand across multiple markets.
When Coates Group officially opened its China office in December 2009, the local operation consisted of just two employees — Sunny Shen, who remains with the business today as Supply Chain Manager, and just one designer. Today, Coates Group China has grown to a team of 90+ employees across supply chain, sourcing, signage design, customer service, quality, and support functions.
While the award recognises overall supplier performance, internally the achievement has been viewed as the result of collaboration across multiple teams. Special recognition was also given to the Supply Chain, Product, Sourcing, Quality, and Service teams for their outstanding collaboration and contributions. Their collective efforts across the different departments played a significant role in achieving this recognition.
Beyond the operational achievement, the award also reflects the values that guide our Crew every day. From taking ownership and accountability, to continuously raising the bar and challenging expectations, to embracing curiosity and asking “what if?”, these principles have helped shape the way teams across China collaborate, solve problems, and support customers. Together, they continue to drive a culture focused on excellence, innovation, and shared success.
For many within the business, the award also represents how far the China operation has come over the past 15 years, from a small local office supporting a growing global customer, to a large team helping deliver signage solutions at scale across one of the world’s most competitive quick-service restaurant markets.
As one of McDonald’s long-standing global partners, Coates Group brings more than 60 years of experience supporting some of the world’s leading QSR brands. Through close collaboration and end-to-end expertise, Coates Group continues to design and deliver solutions that meet evolving customer needs while helping create connected restaurant ecosystems with seamless execution. The recognition reflects not only the strength of the partnership today, but also Coates Group China’s ongoing commitment to supporting customers and driving long-term success.
Special recognition was given to the Supply Chain team led by Fanny Su and Sunny Shen; the Signage Product team including Elliot Zeng, Carson Xiao, Mike Zhao, Gary Guo, Tiger Zhang and Ikki Fu; the Sourcing team led by Candice Wang; the Quality team including Weifeng Huang, Jordan Zou, Oliver Gao, Xin Jin and Daliang Huang; and the China Service Team including Yoyo Poon, Yvonne Xu, Sherilyn Xie and Chloe Tan.
About Coates
Coates is a QSR experience ecosystem partner with over 60 years of expertise helping the world’s most loved QSR brands simplify the complexity of connected restaurant ecosystems. From drive thru to in-restaurant, we deliver tailored solutions, technology, and end-to-end services that reduce operational pressure, boost efficiency, and create seamless customer experiences at every touchpoint.
Our capabilities extend beyond digital, with best-in-class indoor and outdoor signage solutions delivered since 1963. Combining durability, compliance, and impactful design, we help national and global brands stand out while ensuring consistency across every physical and digital interaction.
