Classic Case Study: The KFC FCK Campaign

Case Study, Member Activities, Places and Channels, Products and Brands, Promotion, video

This video-based activity explores KFC’s innovative response to a 2018 supply chain crisis in the UK, which led to widespread restaurant closures due to a lack of chicken. Instead of opting for a defensive approach, KFC launched the bold “FCK” campaign, a humorous and self-deprecating apology that turned a potential PR disaster into a masterclass in brand recovery. Students will analyze the campaign’s elements, its impact on KFC’s brand image, and lessons in crisis communication.

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About The Author

Geoff Fripp

Geoff Fripp is an experienced marketing educator and practitioner with many years of expertise in teaching and industry roles. As the founder of Great Ideas for Teaching Marketing, Geoff has created over 500 activities and tools to help educators deliver engaging and practical lessons across diverse learning styles and student levels. With nearly 2,000 lectures across ten universities, including 19 years at the University of Sydney, Geoff is recognized for his practical approach to marketing education. Geoff’s industry background includes senior marketing roles at medium and large firms, as well as entrepreneurial ventures. He has authored and co-authored textbooks with Pearson Education, as well as developing more than a dozen case studies for their marketing textbooks.