OAKBROOK, Ill. – Global comparable sales growth for McDonald's was 6.7 percent in January, the company announced on Feb. 8.

US sales were up 7.8 percent. The breakfast daypart, beverages and core favorites with consumers were main drivers for the increase, according to McDonald's. Chicken McBites, the company's newest addition to its menu was also a factor in sales growth.

Sales in Europe advanced 4.0 percent. The company attributed sales growth to performance in the United Kingdom, Russia, Germany and France. The value of McDonald's core menu options, rotating premium and mid-tier offerings in addition to ongoing restaurant re-imaging drove the segment's comparable sales increase for the month, the company said.

Sales in Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa increased by 7.3 percent in January. China led the segment in growth, which benefited in part from the Chinese New Year, and many other markets. Unique limited-time food promotions, ongoing breakfast and lunch value platforms and customer convenience fueled the segment's performance, according to McDonald's.

"January marks another month of sustained sales growth, demonstrating the ongoing appeal of McDonald's winning combination of value, menu variety and convenience," said Jim Skinner, chief executive officer. "Our focus on enhancing the McDonald's experience through great-tasting, affordable food and beverage choices served in increasingly modernized restaurants is helping make McDonald's our customers' favorite place and way to eat and drink."

System-wide sales for the month increased 8.4 percent, or 9.1 percent in constant currencies, the company said. Comparable sales represent sales at all restaurants, whether operated by McDonald's or by franchisees, in operation at least 13 months including those temporarily closed.

The company said some of the reasons restaurants may be temporarily closed include re-imaging or remodeling, rebuilding, road construction and natural disasters. Comparable sales exclude the impact of currency translation. Comparable sales are driven by changes in guest counts and average check, which is affected by changes in pricing and product mix, the company said. Management reviews the increase or decrease in comparable sales compared with the same period in the prior year to assess business trends.