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The Wall Street Journal
The Wall Street Journal
7/6/2026
Why Krispy Kreme Can’t Fully Automate Its Donuts | WSJ

Why Krispy Kreme Can’t Fully Automate Its Donuts | WSJ

Short summary

Krispy Kreme CEO Josh Charlesworth reveals that while automation is driving the company's turnaround strategy to reverse missed sales targets, complete automation of donut production isn't feasible—some tasks inherently require human workers. Beyond efficiency improvements, the company faces headwinds from the GLP-1 pharmaceutical trend, which is reducing sweet-snack consumption. This WSJ explainer balances operational innovation with market reality.

  • •Krispy Kreme is using automation to boost efficiency and reverse profit losses, but CEO acknowledges complete automation is impossible for certain production tasks
  • •Despite machinery advances, some donut-making processes still require human workers and expertise
  • •Company must also navigate emerging industry challenge: GLP-1 pharmaceutical trend reducing sweet-snack consumption

Generated with AI, which can make mistakes.

Read full article at The Wall Street Journal

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