US fast-food chain KFC has announced that 24 of its restaurants in France will switch to offering exclusively halal-certified chicken from January 21.
This represents about 6 per cent of the chain’s total network of 404 outlets across the country.
The move follows months of rumours circulating on social media about a broader shift to halal but KFC has confirmed it is a targeted adaptation rather than a company-wide change.
In a statement provided to several media outlets yesterday, including Le Figaro and Le Parisien, KFC France explained the decision as a response to market trends.
The company said it made the move “to accompany the evolution of the market and satisfy a growing demand from a portion of consumers”.
The chain emphasised its commitment to inclusivity: “At KFC France, we are keen to respond to the diversity of expectations of all our customers. Our ambition is to bring together the greatest number around our tables, in respect of everyone’s choices and diversity.”
It highlighted that it had introduced options for various dietary preferences in recent years, such as fish-based products and an expanded vegetarian range.
For the halal outlets, KFC will work exclusively with certified suppliers to ensure compliance with halal standards.
Customers will be able to identify the specific restaurants through clear signage in-store and on the official KFC website and app.
The full list of the 24 locations is expected to be published on the site later in January, with some regional media outlets reporting suspected locations offering halal fare. They included three in the Nord department (Maubeuge, Lille-Roubaix on boulevard Gambetta, and Tourcoing) and others including one in Perpignan.
This is not the first fast-food chain to take such a step in France.
Competitors such as Quick have offered fully halal menus in many outlets since 2021, while Five Guys converted several of its French restaurants to halal-only in recent months. Popeyes has followed a similar path in select locations.
These changes often reflect demographic demand in urban areas with significant Muslim populations, helping to tap into a growing segment of the fast-food market.
KFC stressed that the vast majority of its French restaurants will continue to serve non-halal chicken as before, maintaining its “universal” offering.
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions, with some welcoming greater choice and others debating the implications for the chain’s traditional model.
