Yum! Brands Inc. (NYSE:YUM) is celebrating a momentous occasion as its iconic brand, KFC, achieves a significant milestone with the opening of its 30,000th restaurant in Rome, Italy. This milestone highlights KFC’s relentless expansion efforts worldwide since its inception in 1952. With an impressive pace of one restaurant opening every 3.5 hours globally, KFC’s presence now extends across 149 countries, with plans to enter its 150th market later this year.
This strategic expansion cements KFC’s position as the fastest-growing retail brand and elevates YUM to new levels of success. As the parent company, YUM reaps the benefits of KFC’s expansive global reach, accounting for 50% of its divisional operating profit. The substantial growth in KFC’s net-new unit expansion, particularly in regions like India and Latin America, underscores its robust financial performance and promising future outlook.
To sustain its growth trajectory, KFC remains dedicated to fostering an inclusive, people-centric culture and enhancing customer experiences through digital innovations and exciting menu offerings. Prioritizing accessibility and sustainability, KFC’s expansion efforts align closely with YUM’s overarching objectives of driving shareholder value and fostering sustainable long-term growth.
Furthermore, KFC’s collaboration with local communities, exemplified by its food donation and skill-building programs in Italy, enhances its brand reputation and strengthens its social impact. With plans to open more than 25 new KFC locations across Italy, the brand’s commitment to local communities underscores its dedication to responsible business practices.
In summary, YUM’s investment in KFC’s global expansion underscores its commitment to delivering shareholder value through strategic growth initiatives and responsible corporate citizenship. As KFC continues to expand and innovate, YUM is well-positioned for continued success in the dynamic global restaurant landscape. Over the past year, the company’s shares have gained 11.1%, slightly below the industry’s growth of 11.5%.
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