News

KFC plans U.K., India expansion

November 1, 2010

KFC's global growth continues with plans to open almost 40 stores in the United Kingdom in 2011.

Earlier this week, the quick-service chain opened its 800th U.K. outlet. Martin Shuker, chief executive of KFC in the U.K. and Ireland, told the Daily Telegraph that more British consumers are looking for cheaper meals, which has helped provide an impetus in the brand's expansion.

KFC's sales have been up for the past 18 quarters in the U.K.

The chain is spreading even further east, with plans to expand to 500 units by 2015 in India. KFC India currently has 86 stores in 16 cities, and 35 more are expected to open by year's end.

The company's focus will be on increasing its presence in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.

Unnat Varma, director marketing, Yum! Restaurants India, told the India Times that the plan is to explore bigger cities first before spreading to smaller markets.