Group 1 - The article reports that KFC has launched two new fried chicken stores in Shanghai's Pudong district under a new sub-brand, confirmed by KFC Shanghai staff [1] - This new sub-brand adds to KFC's existing offerings, which include KCOFFEE, KPRO, and Grandpa's Tea [1] - The new stores are approximately 20 square meters in size, with no dine-in area, focusing primarily on takeout and delivery services [1] Group 2 - The new stores offer both Chinese and Korean-style fried chicken, with an average customer spending of around 30 yuan [1] - Operating hours for the stores are from 11 AM to 2 AM the next day, specifically targeting the late-night snack market by omitting breakfast hours [1]

Investment Rating - The report indicates a positive investment outlook for the Chinese fried chicken industry, highlighting the rapid growth and potential for further development in the sector. Core Insights - The Chinese-style fried chicken market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the popularity of spicy chicken snacks and the overall transformation of the dining landscape towards more diverse and value-oriented offerings [4][30]. - The market for snack fast food is expected to exceed 1 trillion yuan by 2024, with a notable increase in the chain rate from 14.5% in 2019 to 24.6% in 2023 [3][7]. - The report emphasizes the importance of supply chain maturity, product differentiation, and innovative cooking techniques as key drivers of growth in the fried chicken sector [32][38]. Summary by Sections Current State of the Snack Fast Food Industry - The snack fast food market in China is transitioning from fragmented operations to a more scaled approach, with a projected market size of 823.7 billion yuan in 2023, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 12.6% [9][10]. - The industry is characterized by a high level of competition due to low entry barriers, leading to dynamic market conditions [3][10]. Development of the Fried Chicken Industry - The Chinese fried chicken market is on an upward trajectory, with significant room for development. The sector has seen multiple rounds of financing for various brands since 2023, indicating strong investor interest [3][23]. - The rise of spicy chicken snacks as a cost-effective option has contributed to the market's growth, with these products being quick to prepare and relatively inexpensive compared to traditional restaurant offerings [3][4]. Trends in the Fried Chicken Industry - The report notes a clear trend towards the diversification of the fried chicken market, with an increasing number of brands and product offerings. The emergence of new brands and the expansion of existing ones are reshaping the competitive landscape [27][30]. - The report highlights the growing popularity of Chinese-style fried chicken, which is becoming a significant player in the market, alongside traditional Western and Korean styles [25][30]. Driving Factors for Industry Growth - The maturity of the supply chain, characterized by stable raw material costs and efficient logistics, is a crucial factor supporting the growth of the fried chicken industry [32][35]. - The report also points to the rich product matrix and innovative cooking methods as essential elements driving the evolution of the fried chicken sector, allowing for a wide range of offerings that cater to diverse consumer preferences [38][40].