KFC Australia confirmed it will launch the Zinger Kebab nationwide from Tuesday, 5 August 2025. The limited-time product will feature on menus for just over a month, finishing availability on Monday, 8 September. This announcement comes as the Australian fast food market sees growing competition and rising consumer demand for new and convenient chicken menu items.
KFC Responds to Changing Market
The Australian fast food market reached $18 billion in 2024 and is forecast to climb to $26 billion by 2033, at a CAGR of 4.12%. Australia’s quick service restaurants, known for adapting to consumer trends, now serve a customer base that spends an average of $60 per week on fast food. Chicken items now account for 36% of all quick service restaurant servings.
The Zinger Kebab will be available nationwide from August 5
A New Product with Australian Roots
The Zinger Kebab combines the signature Zinger fillet with tabbouli, garlic sauce, lettuce, and Supercharged Sauce, wrapped in a warm flatbread. Consumers can order the product solo, in a combo, or as part of a box meal. KFC confirmed the product will also be available through delivery via the KFC App. The launch is designed to appeal to a diverse array of taste preferences among Australians.
“At KFC, we’re passionate about crafting unforgettable taste experiences and innovating our iconic flavours, and the Zinger Kebab is a testament to that. Balancing the iconic Zinger kick with the vibrant freshness of premium ingredients results in a flavour journey that’s both bold and incredibly satisfying,” KFC’s Group Marketing Director Sally Spriggs said.
The Zinger Kebab brings together two Aussie legends: the classic Kebab and the iconic Zinger
Industry Context and Customer Focus
KFC’s strategy reflects broader trends in the Australian market. Chicken maintains popularity as a healthier protein option, with millennials driving 42% of all chicken menu item consumption. Fast food outlets now number more than 30,750 locations nationally. Orders for fast food in Australia average 174 per day per outlet, up from 144 per day in 2017. Consumer preferences continue to shift towards products that combine traditional flavours with contemporary twists.
Zinger and Original Crispy kebabs will both be available for customers
Competitive Pressures and Consumer Preferences
The Australian market remains highly competitive. Local and international chains compete fiercely for market share. While McDonald’s leads in total quick service visits, KFC’s menu innovations attract a loyal audience seeking flavour variety and product freshness. Brands like Domino’s and Wendy’s also expand their chicken and protein-focused offerings.
Sustainability, ingredient sourcing transparency, and nutritional labelling now shape new product development. KFC’s R&D team considers these factors as a growing base of health-conscious customers seek products with clear nutritional values. Delivery and digital menu access continue to be growth drivers.
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Menu Innovation Strategy
KFC maintains a tradition of launching limited-time products to drive customer visits and maintain engagement. Previous launches, such as Zinger Nachos and new beverage ranges, reinforce this menu strategy. Group Marketing Director Sally Spriggs emphasised the brand’s commitment: “Balancing the iconic Zinger kick with the vibrant freshness of premium ingredients results in a flavour journey that’s both bold and incredibly satisfying.”
Consumer Opportunity
KFC’s Zinger Kebab delivers a fresh take on classic fast food favourites, combining the appeal of a kebab with KFC’s popular spicy chicken. The company encourages customers to sample the new offering quickly as supplies will be limited. KFC expects the new product to boost customer traffic both in-restaurant and through digital delivery.
The Zinger Kebab’s national rollout marks another milestone for KFC Australia as it continues leading menu innovation in a rapidly evolving marketplace. Customers nationwide can experience this new option from today, underscoring the importance of product development as the fast food chicken battle heats up. This launch highlights KFC’s ability to meet evolving tastes while driving category growth in Australia’s competitive landscape.
