
KFC is a popular fast-food chain in Australia, attracting millions of customers each year. In 2020, it was the second most popular fast-food outlet in the country, with 6.8 million customers, behind only McDonald's. Millennials are the biggest customer group for KFC in Australia, with over 2.1 million choosing the chain in an average four weeks. KFC's popularity in Australia dates back to 1969 when it was first introduced to the market, which at the time had limited fast-food options.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| KFC's popularity ranking in Australia | Second most popular fast-food restaurant in Australia in 2020 |
| Number of customers in 2020 | 6.8 million |
| Percentage of respondents who ate at KFC in a six-month period (2018) | 40.8% |
| Percentage of respondents who said KFC was their favorite (2018) | 23% |
| Millennial customers in an average four weeks | Over 2.1 million |
| Generation Z customers in an average four weeks | 2 million |
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What You'll Learn

KFC is the second most popular fast-food chain in Australia
KFC's popularity in Australia can be traced back to the late 1960s when John Cowin became convinced that fast food would sell well in the country after seeing long queues at a Chinese takeaway restaurant in Sydney. He bought the rights to open ten KFC franchises in Western Australia and successfully expanded the business, eventually opening eight outlets.
Over the years, KFC has continued to be a popular choice for Australians, especially during the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020. According to Roy Morgan, KFC was the second most popular fast-food outlet among Australians aged 14+, with 6.8 million customers during that year. Millennials were the biggest customer group for KFC, with over 2.1 million choosing the fast-food chain in an average four weeks.
While KFC is the second most popular fast-food chain in Australia overall, it is worth noting that other sources suggest that it is the most popular among younger generations. A survey conducted in 2018 found that 23% of respondents aged 14 to 35 chose KFC as their favourite fast-food restaurant, compared to 32% who preferred McDonald's.
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Australians' preference for American fast food
Australians' preferences for American fast food are varied. While some Australians enjoy American fast food, others dislike it due to its perceived poor quality and prefer local alternatives. According to a survey conducted in 2018, the most popular quick-service restaurants in Australia were American chains, with McDonald's and KFC being the top two choices, favoured by 32% and 23% of respondents, respectively. Another survey conducted between April 2017 and March 2018 revealed that 52.7% of Australians had eaten at McDonald's, and 40.8% had chosen KFC in a six-month period.
However, some Australians express a strong dislike for American fast food, citing concerns about food quality and taste preferences. They argue that American fast food is ""disgusting" and that Australia has better independent food options, such as pho, sushi, Lebanese baked goods, and various cafes and bakeries. Australians also take pride in their coffee culture, and American coffee chains like Starbucks have failed to gain popularity due to their sweeter coffee options and higher prices compared to local cafes.
Cultural differences also play a role in Australians' preferences. For example, many Australians find American spray cheese repulsive due to its consistency and colour. Additionally, American bacon is considered too crispy and lacking in flavour compared to the thicker-cut bacon preferred in Australia.
Overall, while American fast food chains like McDonald's and KFC are popular in Australia, there is also a significant portion of the population that prefers local alternatives or independent options over American fast food.
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KFC's expansion in Australia
KFC, or Kentucky Fried Chicken, is an American fast-food chain specialising in fried chicken and chicken sandwiches. It is the second-largest restaurant chain in the world, with over 30,000 locations in 150 countries. KFC was founded by Colonel Harland Sanders, an entrepreneur who started selling fried chicken from his roadside restaurant in Kentucky during the Great Depression. The first KFC franchise opened in South Salt Lake, Utah, in 1952, and the company has since expanded rapidly, becoming a popular choice for fast food around the globe, including in Australia.
In Australia, KFC is a popular quick-service restaurant chain, often ranked as one of the top choices among consumers. In a 2018 survey, 40.8% of respondents reported eating at KFC in an average six-month period, making it the second most popular fast-food restaurant in the country after McDonald's. The success of KFC in Australia can be attributed to several factors, including its ability to adapt to local tastes and preferences. For example, KFC Australia offers unique menu items such as chicken nuggets and popcorn chicken, which are not available in all locations.
The company has also invested in marketing and advertising campaigns to promote its brand and connect with Australian consumers. In 2019, KFC Australia rebranded back to its original name, Kentucky Fried Chicken, as part of a strategy to emphasise its heritage and key brand assets. Additionally, KFC has partnered with local suppliers to develop new products tailored to the Australian market. For instance, the company works closely with McCormick & Company, its largest supplier of sauces, seasonings, and marinades, to create new menu items that appeal to Australian tastes.
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Millennials are KFC's biggest customer group
KFC is one of the most popular fast-food chains in Australia, second only to McDonald's. In a 2018 survey, 40.8% of respondents said they had eaten at KFC in a six-month period. While this data does not provide demographic breakdowns, it is indicative of the popularity of the chain in Australia.
Millennials, also known as Generation Y or Generation Now, are a highly coveted demographic for fast-food chains, including KFC. As the largest generation by size and spending power, their preferences and attitudes about food have a significant influence on the foodservice industry.
KFC has recognised the importance of this demographic and has tailored its marketing strategies accordingly. The chain has taken advice to "offer novelty" and "communicate with a warm, personal tone". In 2016, KFC announced a multi-year revitalisation strategy, aiming to refresh 70% of its retail stores by the end of 2017. This included giving the brand a modern look while retaining the vintage flavour associated with Colonel Sanders.
KFC Canada, for example, uses data to reach the individual interests of millennials and optimise its investments in digital channels. The diverse life stages of millennials, including those who are parents, present a unique challenge for brand marketers. However, the effort is worth it, as millennials are expected to continue to be important to the restaurant industry, especially with the growing popularity of delivery services.
Therefore, it can be assumed that millennials form a significant portion of KFC's customer base in Australia, given their influence on the industry and KFC's targeted marketing strategies. While specific data on the age demographics of KFC's customers in Australia may not be readily available, the chain's efforts to attract millennials suggest that they are a crucial part of their business.
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KFC's competition in Australia
KFC's main competitors in Australia include Chick-fil-A, Hungry Jack's, and Burger King.
Chick-fil-A surpassed KFC as the leading chicken retailer in the US in 2012. Hungry Jack's is the master franchisee of Burger King in Australia and is responsible for licensing new operators, opening its own stores, and performing standards oversight of franchised locations in the country. Competitive Foods Australia (CFA), owned and operated by Jack Cowin, is the largest franchiser of restaurants in Australia and owns over 400 Hungry Jack's stores.
In 2013, CFA sold all 44 of its KFC stores to Collins Foods for $55.6 million. This sale may have been due to a dispute between KFC's parent company, Yum! Brands, and CFA over Yum's refusal to renew the franchise agreement in Western Australia. Yum offered CFA a price below market value for the properties, which CFA refused.
KFC has also faced competition from other fast-food retailers, such as McDonald's, and has struggled to maintain its market share. In 2015, the company launched a new initiative to revamp its packaging, decor, and uniforms and expand its menu. KFC Australia also rebranded back to its original name, Kentucky Fried Chicken, in 2019.
KFC has also been criticized for its sourcing of paper pulp for food packaging from Indonesian rainforest wood by Greenpeace in 2012. Despite these challenges, KFC remains a popular fast-food chain in Australia, offering unique promotions such as sending fans on international trips to taste KFC's international menu items.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, KFC is popular in Australia. In 2020, it was the second most popular fast-food chain in the country, with 6.8 million customers.
KFC is also popular in other countries, including South Africa and India. In Australia, it is particularly popular among millennials, who are the biggest customer group.
Other popular fast-food chains in Australia include McDonald's, Hungry Jack's, Domino's Pizza, and local fish and chip shops.
No, KFC was first introduced to Australia in 1969, and its popularity has grown over time.











































