Canadian pork market shifts: no more bacon at KFC
Major global fast food restaurant chain Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) is no longer serving pork at its restaurants in Canada. It is also switching all its chicken to halal, which is a category of meat that is slaughtered according to Muslim religious practices.
In a letter to restaurant franchise owners that was sent in May but only became public recently, KFC Canada leaders did not address the removal of bacon from its menu, but noted that the change to halal chicken provides more “diverse and inclusive options”.
Consumer backlash
Many consumers disagree that this move makes the chain more inclusive. One person noted on X (formerly Twitter) that with these menu changes, “KFC will soon no longer be a diversified brand”.
People on various social media platforms have called for KFC to reverse the decision, pointing out that “the loud minority [now] dictates the policies”. About 5% of Canada’s population is Muslim. There are also calls for a boycott of KFC.
KFC has offered several sandwiches with pork including a “premium” Bacon & Cheese Chicken Sandwich introduced in 2023. It has also offered the ‘Double Down’, which features cheese, bacon and sauce between 2 fried chicken patties, in some countries for limited periods.
Maple Leaf changes
Meanwhile, in Canada, major integrated meat company Maple Leaf Foods has announced plans to spin off its pork business into a new publicly-traded company. The separation is expected to be completed in 2025.
President and CEO, Curtis Frank, explained that “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 retain a 19.9% ownership position in the new pork company.
Evergreen pork supply agreement
“The 2 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, adding, “Under this agreement, the new pork company will continue to provide Maple Leaf Foods with a secure supply of high-quality, sustainable pork at market prices, to meet the needs of its Prepared Foods business, providing the new pork company a strong anchor customer while allowing it to grow its already material business with customers around the world.”
Maple Leaf Foods will, in turn, provide the new pork company with brokerage services in North America, as well as certain other services.
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