The fast-food chicken giant reported that sales across its restaurants grew by 7.4% during Q4 and by 9% in the last quarter of the year when compared to 2024.
The business says it continues to deliver growth across all formats, with menu innovation that included a Stranger Things-themed menu (pictured), Christmas Stuffing Burgers and Festive Buckets, a driver of its good performance in the second half of the year.
It has also made innovations in its drinks offer and last month extended its Gen Z focused drinks brand Kwench across all of its restaurants nationwide following a successful pilot. The launch reflects the growing role drinks play in how younger consumers, with flavoured and functional drinks driving demand and footfall, the company says.
“It’s been a fantastic year for KFC in the UK & Ireland. Not only did we deliver strong sales growth in challenging conditions, but we also saw sustained growth in transactions,” says Rob Swain, general manager of KFC UK & Ireland.
“We’re continuing to see strong growth across all formats, as we make it easier for more customers to enjoy KFC whenever they want.”
In March last year KFC UK & Ireland committed to a £1.5bn investment that includes plans to open 500 new restaurants over the next decade and capitalise on the growing popularity of fried chicken.
It estimates the UK fried chicken market as being worth £3.1bn, and says it expects it to grow further as consumer demand outstrips all other QSR categories.