McDonald’s ‘bigger than Jesus Christ’

Ronald McDonald is more famous than Jesus, if the latest research is to be believed.

The trademark symbols for Shell and McDonald’s are more globally recognisable than the Christian cross, according to research conducted for the International Olympic Committee.

In a survey of 7,000 people in six countries, 88 per cent identified the two commercial trademarks, compared with 54 per cent who recognised the Christian cross.

The study was carried out by Sponsorship Research International in Germany, Australia, India, Japan, UK and the US. Thirty-six per cent of respondents recognised the United Nations symbol.

But the most recognisable non-commercial symbol was the Olympic rings, recognised by 92 per cent of respondents.