KFC Korea unleashes triple meat Double Down

KFC Korea's Zinger Double Down King. Photo / KFC Korea

Restaurant Brands cited the success of KFC's new Double Down varieties as a factor in their latest profit forecast today.

Fans of the bunless, double chicken patty burger - which caused such a fuss when it launched three years ago - will no doubt be hoping that a new and even more calorie laden version is on its way to these shores.

Already causing a buzz on fastfood blogs around the world the 'Zinger Double Down King' was launched in South Korea last week and features a traditional beef burger meat patty, bacon and sauces all sandwiched between two fried chicken fillets.

Restaurant Brands chief executive Russel Creedy said the company would "definitely consider" bringing the Double Down King to New Zealand if there was sufficient customer demand for it.

"KFC always listens to its customers and brought the Double Down to New Zealand for the first time in May 2011 after a KFC customer set up a Facebook Page "Bring the Double Down to New Zealand" that attracted almost 3000 likes."

The Wall Street Journal's food blog describes it as a "farmyard in your hand" and says the burger clocks in at heart stopping 750 calories.

Meanwhile Restaurant Brands has reported KFC sales increased at their fastest pace in four years, up 6.1 per cent to $137.1 million, as the business benefited from an improving retail environment, higher advertising spending and some successful promotions including the return of 'Hot 'n Spicy', the new 'Double Down' variants and rugby sponsorship.

The original double down concept was launched in the US in 2010, with the bread buns being replaced by chicken fillets. Touted as a limited time offering, the success of what KFC describes as a sandwich, led to the concept being adapted for countries around the world with numerous variations on the idea.

The double down first arrived in New Zealand early in 2011 at a cost of $7.90, after calls from the public, as well as a "bring the Double Down to New Zealand" Facebook page being set up, with just under 3,000 likes.

New Zealand KFC's sold more than 16,000 of the Double Down in the first three hours that they were available, with more than 600,000 sold over an initial five-week promotional period.

The Double Down became the company's best selling menu item over this time, but cost the company when other higher-margin menu items went unordered in favour of the double down.