According to Barclays research conducted by analysts, KFC has fallen from it’s position as No. 2 in the fast food chicken war. KFC dropped to No. 3 being unseated in it’s ten year tenure as No. 2…officially by Popeye’s.
KFC was the No. 1 chicken chain for years, and it wasn’t until Chick-fil-A came onto the scene catapulting to the top by wooing consumers with a new take on chicken, eventually taking the crown from the Colonel ten years ago.
Over the past twelve months, KFC’s market share fell to 11.3% from 16.1%. Popeyes also saw shares fall but still managed to usurp KFC, and become No. 2 in the process.
Popeye’s has been able to move up the ranks, with major help from the introduction of the chicken sandwich in 2019, which exploded onto the scene spurring the competitive chicken genre to really take off.
KFC lagged behind in introducing their own chicken sandwich into the war being fought between Chick-fil-A, and Popeyes.
Popeye’s President Sami Siddiqui wants to eventually overtake Chick-fil-A for the cherished top spot, and he said:
“We view this special milestone as an indicator that we’re headed in the right direction with much more growth to come,” he said.
Popeye’s is testing a new chicken sandwich that has the chain partnering with the hot sauce brand, TRUFF. If it passes the snuff test in Connecticut, and North Carolina, this will be the latest chicken sandwich to come into the fray on Popeye’s end.
Chick-Fil-a introduced a brand-new contender in June, the Honey Pimento Chicken Sandwich which was highly anticipated, and received rave reviews.
If KFC doesn’t do something drastic to turn this ship around, and get back in the running for the top chicken chain…they may lose their chance. Is it too late?
