KFC Launches “New Era Plant-Based Series” in Hong Kong

KFC has just launched its first meat-free offerings under the name “New Era series” post coronavirus lockdown. The series will feature plant-based nuggets from Alpha Foods and a burger made with Gardein. Earlier this month, KFC had announced that they will be adding Beyond Meat burgers and plant-based fried chicken by Cargill to its menu across Mainland China, this comes a no surprise when the demand for plant-based foods are on the rise, companies are coming on to balance the supply.

According to a recent study conducted by market research company Ipsos, 83% of Hong Kong’s population would like to adopt healthy food habits and lower their meat consumption. The pandemic has changed the trends, KFC had previously run trials on plant-based chicken nuggets at select stores in Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, with stock running out within an hour. The meatless options will now be available at 19 KFC outlets in Hong Kong.

While KFC veganizing its famous signature chicken may come as surprise to many people, this isn’t the first time KFC has experimented with plant-based foods. It isn’t the first time KFC has launched plant-based products in the region, Last month, KFC China introduced plant-based burgers in partnership with US-based food tech Beyond Meat. In March, a KFC outlet in Rotterdam went 100% meat-free for a whole week by collaborating with Quorn, a plant-based food tech company.

KFC understands that veganism may not have gained the wind as of now, but more customers are actively opting for flexitarian food options. All products launched in New Era series cannot be termed suitable for vegetarians or vegans because of the meatless nuggets and burger are fried in the same oil as the rest of KFC’s products, which means that only flexitarians may enjoy the products. The coronavirus pandemic, which has revealed the health, sustainability and animal welfare concerns related to the meat industry, has also began an irreversible change in food habits and dietary preferences.