Yum! Brands sees growth in KFC UK sales

Yum! Brands has issued a Q2 trading update, with KFC UK sales up 10% year-on-year in the second quarter.

KFC sales were up 7% in the UK in the year to date, which makes up 7% of the fried chicken brand’s system sales. The division saw the opening of 600 gross new restaurants across 60 countries.

Yum!’s Pizza Hut division saw trading remain stagnant in Europe, where sales were up 1% in the year to date.

Europe makes up 14% of Pizza Hut system sales, which saw 357 gross new restaurants open across 42 countries.

Meanwhile, Taco Bell international system sales excluding foreign currency grew 18%, while same-store sales declined 1%.

The division opened 63 gross new restaurants across nine countries.

The company further reported worldwide system sales excluding foreign currency translation grew 13% across its three primary brands – KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell – with 9% same-store sales growth and 6% unit growth.

Q2 GAAP operating profit grew 4%, while core operating profit grew 12%.

David Gibbs, CEO, said: “Our broad-based momentum continued in the second quarter with system sales growth of 13% owing to 9% same-store sales growth and 6% unit growth. KFC, our largest division, led the quarter with an astounding 19% system sales growth. An impressive 1,025 gross new units this quarter and nearly 30% digital sales growth contributed to our robust system sales growth.

“I remain confident we are well positioned to thrive in any consumer spending environment given the broad consumer appeal of our iconic brands, including our craveable products, compelling value and easy experiences. With our strong year-to-date results and continued momentum, we expect to deliver full year 2023 results well above our long-term growth algorithm for system sales and core operating profit growth.”