AFTER making its grand debut into the region's marketplace with the introduction of its unique secret recipe for chicken lovers, KFC MENA is now celebrating the opening of its 700th branch, the latest since the introduction of the brand to the region in Kuwait in 1973. In line with its important expansion and success with Americana group - the franchisee of the world's most famous name in chicken restaurants in the region - KFC is marking the celebration by rewarding its loyal customers with delicious meals at ‘wow' prices. KFC's increasing of the number of its branches in the Middle East and North Africa to reach 700 outlets - each one representing an important stage in attracting more loyal customers to the brand - showcases the brand's impressive achievements. On this occasion, where the company is celebrating a new milestone figure, the most important aspect of its pride is the loyalty of millions of customers who express their passion for KFC's secret recipe. The gradual spread of the KFC brand over 40 years, with its stores spread throughout 104 cities in 12 markets, indicates the success of its various menu items that have captured wide segments of consumers, with the company committed to meeting the requirements of adults and youths across the region. The distinction of KFC brand is the ‘so good' taste of chicken that is derived from KFC's secret recipe made of 11 herbs and spices, the flavor becoming a firm favorite for millions of fans in this part of the world. Each KFC meal is delivered with greatest care following the highest standards for the different stages and processes of preparation, from choosing the best suppliers through to final delivery to the customer, who enjoys its so good taste and best quality. Throughout its 40 years of success, KFC MENA has reached several major milestones and a significant number of achievements. These include the KFC marketing team winning a number of international marketing awards, among them the Internationalist Award for Innovation in Media in New York, US in 2014 for the second time in a row and a win at the Effie Awards in 2013 and two wins at the Dubai Lynx Award in 2014, the region's most prestigious advertising awards program. To add to its success, the popular chicken restaurant chain has a well-established program of hiring staff with speech and hearing impairment, thereby providing this section of the community with gainful employment and helping them to contribute positively to society. It also participates in many development programs and conferences related to youth employment to help this segment join the market's workforce. Furthermore, KFC MENA entered the Guinness Book of World Records when 200 employees chipped in to make the largest KFC bucket ever - a chicken-filled container that weighed in at over 580kg. Looking to the next 40 years, KFC MENA will continue to foster its relationship with its customers through new and exciting marketing campaigns, thrilling competitions, vibrant social media engagement and other award-winning initiatives. It goes without saying that it will continue to surprise and enthrall the region's taste buds with exciting new products and offerings to satisfy their chicken cravings. — SG
