Kentucky Fried Chicken (kfc” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener” title=”KFC” data-wpil-keyword-link=”linked”>KFC), a major global fast-food chain, has stopped serving pork in its Canadian restaurants.
Additionally, all chicken served at KFC in Canada will now be halal, meaning it is slaughtered according to Muslim religious practices.
Change to Halal Chicken
In a letter sent to franchise owners in May, KFC Canada leaders did not specifically mention the removal of bacon from the menu. However, they emphasized that switching to halal chicken offers “diverse and inclusive options.”
Consumer Backlash
Many consumers disagree with KFC’s assertion that the change promotes inclusivity. One person on X (formerly Twitter) noted that with these changes, “KFC will soon no longer be a diversified brand.”
Social media platforms have seen calls for KFC to reverse the decision, with some saying that “the loud minority [now] dictates the policies.” In Canada, about 5% of the population is Muslim. There are also calls for a boycott of KFC.
KFC has previously offered several pork-containing sandwiches, such as the “premium” Bacon & Cheese Chicken Sandwich introduced in 2023, and the ‘Double Down,’ which features cheese, bacon, and sauce between two fried chicken patties, in some countries for limited periods.
Maple Leaf Foods Changes
In a related development, Maple Leaf Foods, a major integrated meat company in Canada, plans to spin off its pork business into a new publicly traded company by 2025.
Curtis Frank, President and CEO of Maple Leaf Foods, explained, “As separate companies, Maple Leaf Foods and the new pork company will each have exciting prospects, a sharpened execution focus with its own dedicated management team, and the financial independence to pursue its own value creation strategy, all with an uncompromising commitment to safety and sustainability.”
Maple Leaf Foods will keep a 19.9% ownership stake in the new pork company.
Evergreen Pork Supply Agreement
“The two companies will enter into an evergreen pork supply agreement, which will deliver value for both businesses while also allowing them to pursue their individual value creation opportunities,” said Frank.
Under this agreement, the new pork company will continue to provide Maple Leaf Foods with a steady supply of high-quality, sustainable pork at market prices for its Prepared Foods business. This arrangement will give the new pork company a strong anchor customer and allow it to expand its business globally.