The world’s largest food service operator, McDonald’s, has reported global comparable sales up 0.9pc for the month of May just completed, compared with the same period last year.

Financial year to date, sales are up 0.7pc, but performance is mixed across the company’s different geographic regions.

McDonald’s US division reported monthly sales down 1pc compared with May last year, while year-to-date, the US division is behind by 1.2pc, due to “ongoing broad-based challenges,” chief executive Don Thompson said.

The company’s Europe division performed better, with sales up 0.4pc for May, and +1pc year-to-date, due mostly to positive performance in the UK and France, partly offset by negative results in Germany.

In the Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa (APMEA) region, which includes Australia, sales were up 2.5pc in May, and +1.6pc year-to-date.

This reflected strong results in China, including comparisons against the prior year impact of the country’s Avian influenza outbreak, and positive performance across a number of markets, partially offset by ongoing weakness in Japan.

“Around the world we are pursuing opportunities to provide our customers with their favourite food and drink, create memorable experiences, and offer unparalleled convenience,” Mr Thompson said.

“We are intensifying our commitment to place the customer at the centre of everything we do and are determined to create experiences that deliver the most meaningful impact for our customers and our business.”

Systemwide sales for the month of May increased 2.4pc, or 3.4pc adjusted for currency movement.

McDonald’s is the world’s largest foodservice retailer with more than 35,000 locations serving 70 million customers in more than 100 countries each day. In addition to supply within Australia, almost 50,000 tonnes of Australian manufacturing beef is exported each year for use in McDonald’s restaurants in Southeast Asia, Japan and the US.