Hanwha Signals Readiness to Build Nuclear-Powered Submarines at Philly Shipyard for U.S. Navy 
How to support someone who is grieving: five research-backed strategies 
Sanofi to Acquire Dynavax in $2.2 Billion Deal to Strengthen Vaccines Portfolio 
TSMC Honors Japanese Chip Equipment Makers With 2025 Supplier Awards 
Office design isn’t keeping up with post-COVID work styles - here’s what workers really want 
RBA Signals Possible Interest Rate Hike in 2026 as Inflation Pressures Persist 
Oil Prices Hold Steady in Asia as Geopolitical Tensions Support Market 
What’s the difference between baking powder and baking soda? It’s subtle, but significant 
Columbia Student Mahmoud Khalil Fights Arrest as Deportation Case Moves to New Jersey 
Why financial hardship is more likely if you’re disabled or sick 
BOJ Governor Signals Gradual Rate Hikes as Japan’s Inflation Nears 2% Target 
IMF Reaches Staff-Level Agreement With Egypt, Opening Path to $3.8 Billion in Funding 
Tokyo Core Inflation Stays Above BOJ Target, Strengthening Case for Further Rate Hikes 
Locked up then locked out: how NZ’s bank rules make life for ex-prisoners even harder 
FDA Approves Mitapivat for Anemia in Thalassemia Patients 
Hyundai Recalls Over 51,000 Vehicles in the U.S. Due to Fire Risk From Trailer Wiring Issue 
ByteDance Plans Massive AI Investment in 2026 to Close Gap With U.S. Tech Giants 
A UBS analysis reveals that KFC has surpassed McDonald's in inflating Australian menu prices, hitting customers with hikes up to 25% for popular items, despite falling costs for wheat, canola oil, and cheese. Amid a broad-based food price surge, this fast-food giant manages to maintain a relative edge over its competitor.
According to UBS, a Zinger burger combo has jumped from $8.95 to $10.95 since June last year, marking an increase of 22%. In addition, a pack of six nuggets has risen by a staggering 25% to $7.45. Interestingly, while individual items and meal combos at KFC increased in price at a faster pace than McDonald's, they were still generally cheaper than their McDonald's equivalents.
Although chicken prices reportedly peaked late last year, wheat, canola oil, and cheese prices have fallen. Despite KFC facing higher food costs, Collins Foods, which operates more than 260 KFC outlets in Australia, has claimed that it will try to increase prices in a way that does not annoy customers to boost its profitability. The significant increase in food prices is a primary driver of household financial pressures, with fast food a significant contributor to the food inflation rate of 7.9%.
Recent concerns regarding the rising cost of food amid the pandemic and subsequent cost-of-living crisis have sparked criticism, with some accusing food manufacturers and retailers of inflationary profiteering.
According to UBS, KFC products are now priced at an average 6% discount to McDonald's equivalents across a sample set of six menu products. However, one year ago, KFC products were 18% cheaper. Despite the industry's challenges, Collins Foods, which operates many Taco Bells in Australia, has been an early standout stock market performer during the pandemic, with surging demand for takeaway.
Meanwhile, KFC's South Penrith eatery serves delicious meals and makes a bold eco-friendly statement. The Form4 Architecture-designed restaurant, made out of 99% recycled materials, is a visual treat of sustainability.
Partnering with local start-up saveBOARD, KFC has utilized sustainable wall and ceiling tiles in the front of the house and opening spaces. This innovative use of materials signifies a future-forward approach that will be deployed in their new Australian outlets and retrofitted into existing stores.
Photo: Ziyang Hsiung/Unsplash
