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KFC trials Beyond Meat 'chicken'

Kentucky Fried Chicken has become the first national U.S. QSR (quick service restaurant) to introduce a plant-based chicken, in partnership with Beyond Meat.

Beyond Fried Chicken made its debut August 27 in a limited test. Atlantans were the first to get a taste of KFC's new Beyond Fried Chicken as part of an exclusive, one restaurant trial.

Beyond Fried Chicken is available in nuggets with choice of favourite dipping sauce, like KFC's signature Finger Lickin' Good sauce, or boneless wings tossed in one of three sauce options: Nashville Hot, Buffalo or Honey BBQ.

"KFC Beyond Fried Chicken is so delicious, our customers will find it difficult to tell that it's plant-based," said Kevin Hochman, president and chief concept officer, KFC U.S. "I think we've all heard 'it tastes like chicken' – well our customers are going to be amazed and say, 'it tastes like Kentucky Fried Chicken!'"

KFC turned to Beyond Meat to create a plant-based fried chicken that will appeal to lovers of both Beyond Meat and KFC. Customer feedback from the Atlanta test will be considered as KFC evaluates a broader test or potential national rollout.

"KFC is an iconic part of American culture and a brand that I, like so many consumers, grew up with. To be able to bring Beyond Fried Chicken, in all of its KFC-inspired deliciousness to market, speaks to our collective ability to meet the consumer where they are and accompany them on their journey. My only regret is not being able to see the legendary Colonel himself enjoy this important moment," said Ethan Brown, founder and CEO, Beyond Meat.

Beyond Meat began developing its plant-based meat in 2009 and since then has introduced several products across the brand's beef, pork and poultry platforms. The announcement of plant-based chicken is said to make the KFC and Beyond Meat partnership a unique one and the first of its kind in the U.S. QSR space.

KFC says it has a history of frequently testing unique and craveable menu items as a part of the brand's food innovation strategy, considering food trends and evaluating customer feedback to KFC's test offerings.