Article re-cap
- KFC is rolling out a major global update including new menu items, refreshed branding, and modernized restaurant designs.
- Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) plans to expand this updated experience to over 34,000 restaurants in more than 150 countries.
- Research indicates that 34% of consumers consider available sauces when choosing a restaurant.
KFC is rolling out a major global update including new menu items, refreshed branding, and modernized restaurant designs, starting in the United Kingdom and Ireland this year.
Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) has announced its “next chapter,” focused on innovation across its menus, brand identity, and restaurant experiences. The company plans to expand this updated experience to over 34,000 restaurants in more than 150 countries.
According to KFC Global CEO Scott Mezvinsky, the initiative aims to “set the standard for modern chicken in QSR.” This includes a significant focus on sauces and beverages, building upon the success of its ‘Saucy’ concept which began in Florida and Texas. The company has established an innovation hub with a global pantry featuring over 20 sauces like Chimichurri Ranch and Hot Honey Habanero.
Several global markets, including South Africa and India, have already launched “Dunked” menu items – tenders, wings, and sandwiches drenched in sauces. KFC is introducing new tenders and nine new sauces in the U.K. and Ireland within the coming weeks. Research indicates that 34% of consumers consider available sauces when choosing a restaurant.
Beverages are also playing a larger role with the expansion of Kwench by KFC, featuring items like Boba Refreshers, Krunch Shakes, Sparkling Lemonades and Ice Coffees. This drink platform is currently expanding to Australia and Canada, with plans for a U.S. rollout still under evaluation.
The company’s branding will be refreshed across all communications, packaging, advertising, restaurant environments, and digital touchpoints, aiming for a more modern and culturally relevant aesthetic while honoring the legacy of the Colonel Sanders. The signature bucket design will also receive a subtle update.
Frequently asked questions
Which regions are initially receiving the new KFC updates?
The initial rollout of KFC’s ‘next chapter’ is beginning in the United Kingdom and Ireland; this expansion will then extend to over 34,000 restaurants across more than 150 countries globally including South Africa and India.
What is the focus of KFC's new innovation strategy?
KFC’s ‘next chapter’ concentrates on innovation across menus, brand identity, and restaurant experiences; a key element is expanding its range of sauces and beverages, building upon successful concepts like the ‘Saucy’ initiative originating in Florida and Texas.
What kind of drinks are being offered by KFC?
KFC is introducing a variety of beverages including Kwench by KFC; this includes items such as Boba Refreshers, Krunch Shakes, Sparkling Lemonades and Ice Coffees; these drinks are currently expanding to Australia and Canada.
How has the availability of sauces influenced consumer choices?
Research shows that 34% of consumers actively consider available sauces when deciding which restaurant to choose; this highlights the importance KFC is placing on its sauce selection and the ‘Saucy’ concept's success.
What changes are being made to KFC’s branding?
KFC is refreshing its branding across all communications, packaging, advertising, restaurant environments, and digital touchpoints; this aims for a more modern and culturally relevant aesthetic while still honoring the legacy of Colonel Sanders.
Where can consumers find new sauce options?
Consumers can now find new sauces like Chimichurri Ranch and Hot Honey Habanero in KFC’s global pantry; these are available as part of the ‘Dunked’ menu items launched across South Africa and India.
Source: restaurantbusinessonline.com
