17 May 2012 --- KFC Australia announced they will be introducing canola oil to cook its freshly prepared foods, sourced entirely from Australian farmers. The oil will be rolled out across KFC’s Australian stores by the end of May, delivering the same great taste people know and love.

KFC is supporting local Australian farmers, using HOCAN, high-oleic canola oil developed to keep the iconic KFC taste. Nikki Lawson, Chief Marketing Officer for KFC Australia, is proud to announce the brand’s ongoing investment in the Australian economy.

“KFC is proud of the association we have with Australian farmers across the spectrum of our menu. Our entire range of chicken and all our fresh produce is homegrown and locally sourced. Our move to canola oil deepens our commitment to providing our customers with the best quality food, grown and cooked in our own backyard,” said Ms Lawson.

KFC has been trialing the new oil in Tasmanian stores since October 2010 ensuring its chicken keeps the iconic KFC taste. The canola will be sourced from reputable Australian suppliers, including Cargill, MSM Milling and Integro Foods.

“We are delighted that KFC is sourcing 100% of its canola oil from Australian farmers. This is a great vote of confidence in the Australian industry,” said Stuart Roberts, managing director of Integro Foods, a division of Goodman Fielder Limited.

“KFC’s decision to switch to high-oleic canola oil 100% sourced from Australian farmers is great news for consumers and the Australian industry.

“Australian consumers increasingly want to be able to make informed decisions about their food, expecting companies to be transparent about where their food is sourced and how it is cooked. Cooking with high quality oil sourced solely from Australian farms is a fantastic example of a company listening to its customers and delivering on their expectations.”

Canola farming is a $1.6billion industry in Australia with the 2011/12 season turning over 3 million tonnes of canola. With over 10,000 Australian farmers growing canola, KFC is investing in the local economy to deliver homegrown, high quality food.

“By late-May 2012, all our stores across Australia will be using canola oil to cook our great-tasting chicken. At KFC, we are continually looking at new ways we can support our local community and deliver quality food to fellow Australians,” said Ms Lawson.

In early 2012, KFC also introduced fresh salads and free range chicken options to its menu as part of a wider initiative to deliver great-tasting food to Australians.